Quests of Shadowind: Veil

By L.A. Miller

Unmask a Killer

A terrifying monster lurks somewhere in the alien forest of Shadowind. Huge, invisible, and hungry for blood, it stalks Mindy and Logan Oakes and their friends. It’s already taken two of them for its feast, and many more could die to satisfy its thirst.

Scared and desperate, Logan and Mindy must head out on a quest as deadly as the creature itself. Their struggle to defeat the predatory beast plunges them deep inside the cybernetic matrix of Shadowind. In that strange, digital domain they face grave and perilous encounters as they seek to unlock the mystery of the camouflaged killer. Clues from a secretive friend and a shaman’s peculiar relics provide keys to destroying the bloodthirsty fiend...and it’s on the hunt yet again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.A. Miller
• Release date: Jul 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476290201

L.A. Miller

L.A. Miller has been writing for more than forty years. His backgrounds in science fiction, astronomy, technology, and classic literature inform his work, which has included novels, short stories, and music. He is the owner of Wood n Nails Music and lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with his wife and two dogs. Sky Shifter, The Grounding Stone, and Veil are the first three, respectively, of eight books in the Quests of Shadowind series.

Book preview

QUESTS OF SHADOWIND: VEIL

By L.A. MILLER

(Book Three)

"It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,

concealed even from the birds of the air."

QUESTS OF SHADOWIND: VEIL

CHAPTER 1

Darkness and deep gloom settled upon the rooftops of the village. No one witnessed it, nor could anyone find the cause of their despair. Yet its full weight fell upon the short rows of houses like a crushing and suffocating avalanche. Beyond the sprawling lawns, past the flowerbeds and bushes, Dark Forest concealed a killer: a monster of alien origin, hungry for blood. Its watchful eyes and keen antennae kept a silent vigil, anticipating its first kill.

The moon came and went; the sun’s light danced on the waves of Open Waters Lake. The beast remained. It cast death in the trees like a spider’s web, patiently waiting to trap a victim. Its species had done this for millennia. Every attack had proven successful. No human had ever survived.

With the sun climbing ever higher, the monster continued to hunt. So far none of the villagers had ventured beyond the houses but they were human, and forever seeking freedom. They would soon grow impatient and leave their cages. Then, one by one, they would fall and die so the alien could feast and live.

Two ten-year-old boys secretly darted inside a house. It was the last one in the two rows that comprised Delta Village. The residence had belonged to Preston Norwood for one night. His disappearance aroused the curiosity of Tony Rafferty and Morris Tierney. They were drawn to Preston’s void like sleuths to a mystery.

What do you think he was doing that night? Tony asked. He rummaged through a drawer of clothing, looking for a clue.

I don’t know. But it must have been something really bad.

Opening the next drawer down, Tony rifled through neatly folded T-shirts. They say a giant spider came and got him. I think spiders do that to all the bad kids.

Maybe we’re next! Morris gasped, then crouched low. We’re not supposed to be in here.

Tony continued his search. Relax. We can go wherever we want.

But that watchman said to stay in our houses!

Tony moved on to the second bedroom. "He said to stay in the houses. Not our houses. This is a house. So we’re good. Good, not bad. Get it? No spiders for us today."

Morris followed at his friend’s heels. Checking under the bed, he saw nothing but dust. What were they looking for anyway? Logan said the spider took that guy because he was too old to stay here.

Tony rejected the explanation with a swipe of his hand. "Aw, what does he know? Him and Mindy just do and say whatever the watchman tells them. They’re puppets. Don’t you know that by now?"

Morris shrugged. I think if the spider takes bad kids, Kyle would be long gone by now.

Tony had hoped to find some sinister evidence, like a girly magazine or drug paraphernalia. Even a bad report card would have sufficed. However, he found nothing inside the house to substantiate his theory.

Let’s check the backyard.

Tony led the way down the hall and through the kitchen. When he grabbed the patio door’s handle to slide it open, Morris stiffened.

We’re not supposed to go near the trees.

I’m only going out for minute. You coming?

Morris shook his head.

"Chicken! I’ll do it myself. And when I find out what’s really going on around here, I’m not gonna tell you." Tony flung the door open, then threw it shut behind him.

Morris opened the door partway and stuck his head out. That’s right where Logan shot that ghost!

What ghost? You mean that Deep Shadow?

A Deep Shadow was more evil than Preston could ever be. Maybe Preston had a run-in with one of them. Maybe that was why the spider never brought him back.

Tony scanned the grass for signs of a skirmish. It was thick and green, and he saw no footprints or matted down areas. Then it dawned on him. Deep Shadows wouldn’t leave footprints. They’re like ghosts, only black…and thicker. He would know. He had seen one when he was forced to work inside the crater. They have huge, hooded robes too, and—wait a sec. I’ll bet when he got to the trees…

Tony stepped closer to the forest. Did he see a fragment of black material stuck in a bush? Looking around to make sure the watchman wasn’t spying on him, he crept up to the shrub. Sure enough, something black was flickering about. Tony tried reaching for it, but it was too deep inside. The branches poked his face and barred the way. And it was too shadowy to tell for sure what it was.

Hey, Morey! Get me a flashlight. I think I found something. I think I found part of a Deep Shadow!

If he could only see better! Then he’d know for sure. What a prize it would be to actually have a piece of a Deep Shadow. He’d be the envy of the neighborhood! Then it would be worth a scratched up face…

Hey, Morey! What’s taking him so long? Tony looked back at the patio door, but Morris was gone. Tony wondered if the monster everyone was so afraid of had snuck up and snatched him. He took a step toward the house.

Hey, Morey…

* * *

Morris heard his name for the third time. Tony’s impatience grated on his nerves.

I’m coming, for crying out loud! Just hold your horses! He loved that saying. His mom used it whenever she failed to admire his latest drawing quickly enough.

Finding the flashlight had required a little more time than he’d thought it would. He remembered seeing it in the first bedroom, but where? Then he spotted it resting on the table beside the bed.

I found it!

Grabbing it, he bolted down the hall. He would hand-deliver it to Tony to prove wasn’t chicken. He was just a little unsure of what the watchman had said. He was sure he’d told them to stay in their own houses. But Morris was a daydreamer, and the ever-alert Tony had corrected him. Thank heaven for guys like Tony. I would miss out on so much fun without him!

Morris ran through the kitchen and past the open patio door. Then he came to a sudden stop.

Tony?

His friend was gone. He must have gone deeper into the forest. Morris marched ahead.

I got your stupid flashlight!

He came up to a bush, but there was no sign of his friend. Then he spotted the black fragment. It flitted on the end of a short branch deep within the shrub. Flicking on the flashlight, he shined it inside. His shoulders slumped in disappointment.

It’s just a dead leaf! Hey, Tony. It’s just a stupid—

A moment later, the flashlight tumbled out of the trees without its owner.

CHAPTER 2

How long do we have to stay cooped up in here? Mindy asked, peering through the living room window.

Ever since awaking one morning in a strange bed in an unfamiliar neighborhood, she had sought her parents. Isolated within an asteroid called Shadowind on faraway Mesa Island, Dori and Rob Oakes awaited rescue. Every adult and young child was trapped there, separated from the teens upon arrival. Why? No one seemed to know. At least no one Mindy had talked to yet.

If Shadowind’s officials continued to confine them to their quarters, they’d never escape. With longing eyes Mindy stared at the manicured lawns. She kneeled in a recliner, with her arms folded across the back of the chair. Behind her, Watchman Danby held a steaming mug of coffee, staring anxiously beyond her dark hair to the outlying forest.

I told everyone to stay inside their houses for a good reason, Danby told her. He took a long sip of his hot brew. "Only in case of emergency, or under my care and authority, is anyone permitted outside. And without a doubt, no one is allowed near the trees. The forest is strictly off limits."

Great! Mindy grumbled. "We’re surrounded by trees. How in the world are we supposed to find our parents?"

"It is a bit of a sticky wicket. Somewhat of a catch twenty-two. He sighed. Things used to be considerably less complicated. I remember a time when I could sit inside a giant spider, drive it around, and shoot anibots for the sport of it. He smiled at the memory. Reese—the raccoon?—he used to scold me to no end. I must say, that was half the fun."

The ray wouldn’t hurt him? Mindy asked, amused by Danby’s past antics.

No, of course not. Captivating rays are completely harmless to anibots. The reparation rays of ants, now that’s quite another matter. They can suck up metal, wood, rocks—most anything, I suppose. With the exception of people. Danby expelled a long breath. Ah, yes. Those were the days. But one could only gallivant across the countryside inside a spider when its basic programming was newly installed. Now? Everything has changed. All the anibots are fully programmed. And I suppose some of the changes came as precautionary or safety measures.

I wonder why.

Quite. And besides, who has time for such tomfoolery anymore? We live in a dangerous place. And now we have another problem, don’t we? He reached over and patted Mindy’s shoulder. "We must sit tight until we figure out how to deal with that…creature out there."

Mindy spun around and slouched in the chair. Hurry up and wait. I’m just tired of hardly any hurry ups and a whole bunch of waits.

Danby smiled. I don’t believe Logan has a problem with that.

What gave it away? His snoring?

Danby chuckled. Oh, leave him be, Miss Mindy. He had quite a day yesterday. It’s not often you come face to face with a Deep Shadow.

Mindy huffed. "I’m surprised he was able to take Grieve out. He has a hard time squishing a bug. If he finds one in the house, he catches it and puts it outside. Mindy grinned. Lo’s so soft he uses himself as a pillow."

I heard that, Logan called from his bedroom.

Oh, look, everybody—a talking pillow. And your hair looks all fluffed up too.

Logan groaned and stepped into the living room. After years of abuse, he had learned not to comment on his sister’s first jabs of the day. Still in a sleepy fog, he simply wasn’t sharp enough to match wits with her.

I heard that about driving a spider around too, he said. Sounds pretty sweet.

Yes, it was, Danby agreed, lifting his mug.

Blinking, Logan looked around the blurry room. Where’s Ella? He pawed at his eyes. I thought she was sleeping over.

That was two days ago, Mindy answered. You slept right through it.

Logan rubbed his face. Did not.

Finishing the last of his coffee, Danby arose from his chair. Actually, I walked Ella to her house earlier this morning. The watchman searched the cupboards until he found a skillet. Would the Oakeses care for some breakfast? Eggs, bacon, toast, and juice?

Sounds great, Mindy said, rising. You need some help?

No, thank you, Miss Mindy. You just stay put. I’m on top of it.

Logan shuffled into the kitchen and grabbed a box of cereal, a bowl, and a spoon. Opening the fridge, he brought out a gallon of milk. After arranging his place setting, he sat down heavily. Mindy watched the scene unfold and scowled.

Lo, didn’t you hear Watcher Danby? He’s making breakfast.

Logan poured the cereal into his bowl and yawned. I heard. This is just to tide me over.

Mindy rolled her eyes. Oh, brother! I wish I could eat like that.

Since when do you call him ‘Watcher’? Logan took a big spoonful of his breakfast and crunched himself back to life.

Mindy shrugged. Since this morning. I kinda like it. She looked at Danby. Is it okay to call you that?

The watchman turned up the electric range. I’ve been called far worse. Watcher is fine. Most everyone shipside uses that.

Above his own chomping, Logan heard two pairs of high-pitched beeps. He dropped his spoon onto the table.

My computer! he said, then dashed into his bedroom.

Mindy shook her head. He’s in love with the thing. Hey, Lo! Maybe you should call your computer Sami Jo.

Maybe you should call yours Kyle, he shot back. Hey! I got a message!

Mindy brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Who’s it from? Wes? Connor? Zac? Or maybe it’s from your girlfriend.

I got a bunch from those guys. But I got one from Captain Aimery too.

Danby nearly dropped his spatula. Captain Aimery? Why, that’s impossible!

Mindy sprinted down the hallway, her socks slipping on the hardwood floor. Danby removed the skillet from the heat and followed in a much more dignified manner. When they arrived, Logan pointed at the computer monitor.

It’s not impossible, he said. There it is, right there.

Danby looked over Logan’s shoulder and furrowed his brow. "But it is impossible. I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I couldn’t seem to find the right time."

Mindy watched her brother open the message. Tell us what?

The watchman’s face lengthened. I’m afraid Captain Aimery was relieved of command.

Relieved? Mindy asked.

Yes. Lord Fuleric has shipped him to Terra Altus.

Logan froze. "He’s gone?"

I’m afraid so. You remember what I told you about that place, don’t you?

Logan nodded. Yeah. It’s a mining colony in a different solar system. And some kind of a sick, tourist attraction. If we can trust the rumors.

Mindy felt her heart grow heavy. Danby looked so forlorn with his sagging shoulders and long face. So what does it mean? I mean, he hasn’t seemed very helpful. At least not to us. Maybe a new captain is just what we need.

Captain Carp? Danby spat. "He most certainly is not what we need. He was a pirate before he came to Shadowind. Probably still is. No, we were much better off with Captain Aimery at the helm. I believe he’s been far more helpful than we’ll ever know. He needed to act quite cautiously, you see. Everything he did required secrecy. I’m quite sure he was far more discreet than I had been."

Logan sat back in his chair. Well, he’s not being very tricky right now. He’s pretty much laying it on the line.

Danby read the message. Good heavens! His face brightened, then skepticism clouded his joy. Can this really be true?

Mindy crouched down and read the message out loud.

‘Finding it urgent that I speak with you, I write while under confinement. Lord Fuleric intends to come to Shadowind—and subsequently to earth—with his entire fleet.’ Mindy paused, her face flushed with anger. He wants to destroy our home? Does anybody know about this? Everyone has to unite! We have to stop him!

Danby’s face became like flint. I doubt there’s much our governments could do to oppose him. We don’t have the technology.

Mindy folded her arms. Oh, that makes me feel so much better.

Logan read on. ‘Earth is not the ideal habitat for Nulenacs. The gravity is too weak, there’s not enough oxygen, and it’s not warm enough. Which leads me to believe he has a motive other than earth’s destruction.’

"I’m still not feeling any better."

Logan pointed his nose at the screen. Read on, Min. Captain Aimery’s got a plan. Maybe it’ll help.

Mindy took a deep breath to calm herself, then continued. ‘Be careful. Carp is a thief, but he’s no fool. Your efforts—now more than ever—must remain discreet and focused. If we stay our course, Fuleric can be defeated. We must sail this stormy sea one port at a time. First stop: bring peace and stability back to Delta Village. A creature from an alien world has been released from its cage, and it’s a killer. We must put an end to its murderous instincts, otherwise everything will be lost.’

Her voice rose in pitch when she read the next lines. "‘Logan and Mindy, you must return to Computerworld at once. When you’re inside you will receive further instructions. Your mission will be dangerous. I will not lie to you. As during your previous trip, you may face hardships—even death. But if you remain in your village, this monster will hunt down everyone until no one is left alive. Carp is powerless to kill it, even if he wants to do so. The secret to its demise hides within your computers. As soon as you’ve prepared yourselves, go. I will try to contact you upon the completion of your mission. Godspeed. Aimery.’"

Danby began pacing. "I’m certainly thankful for the communiqué. But where the devil is Captain Aimery? Where did he send that message from? Is he still aboard Fuleric’s capitol ship?"

No one knew. A heavy silence fell on them.

Then a weighty thought dropped on Danby. He plopped onto the edge of Logan’s bed. "Good heavens. Then it’s true—you have been inside the computer."

Logan stared at the monitor and shrugged. We said we went in. We weren’t making it up.

Danby straightened. Oh, I didn’t think you were spinning a yarn. But you must admit, it’s rather fantastic. A human can actually enter a computer? How does it work?

You see this little thingy? Logan touched the Transfer Element beneath the CRT screen. The ant must have fixed it yesterday when it fixed the rest of the house. Kyle broke it a while back, but that’s another story. Anyway, when I sit at my computer and Mindy sits at hers, and we type ‘yes’ to enter…we enter. Only Mindy and I can go in. Everyone else can only watch. We could talk back and forth for a while, but we couldn’t after we left the password area. I don’t know why.

Danby tapped his chin while staring at the Transfer Element. Those things must be tuned to your physical makeup. Perhaps your DNA. Amazing technology indeed—especially for such an antiquated computer.

It’s even worse on the inside, Mindy said, rousing from her stupor. "Everything is old, like from years ago. No cell phones, no Internet, no Tight-beam Transmitters. Nothing like that."

Danby cocked his head. How incredibly odd!

It’s like maybe Fuleric set it up decades ago, Logan proposed, but never had it updated.

Still, it’s kinda cool. Mindy managed a smile. That’s where we first met you, you know. Well, your avatar anyway.

Danby nodded. Astounding. Still, I fail to understand the height of the Nulenacs’ tech superiority. Lord Fuleric is no one to trifle with, yet the captain has somehow managed to send a secret message.

I guess that makes Captain Aimery smarter than Lord Fuleric, Logan said.

Or more devious, Mindy countered. Either way there was a glimmer of hope somewhere down the long, dark tunnel of adversity.

Yes, well, Danby said. What are you going to do? I dare say the computer is acting badly of late. A bit unstable, as you well know. Proceeding inside may no longer be safe.

Logan and Mindy glanced at each other, knowing full well what had to be done.

We’re going in, Logan said, hardening his gaze.

We have to, Mindy added, thumping a fist into the palm of her hand. We can’t let that monster out there kill our friends. No way! We have to take it out, and the sooner the better. Right, Lo? She paused to stare at her brother. I said, right, Lo?

Logan shrugged. I was just thinking… Once we’re inside, who knows what will happen. We may not get a chance to eat all day.

Mindy swatted him. Fine, fine. Go eat. But make it quick. I wanna tell Sami Jo we’re leaving. She went to pick up the phone, but scowled at her brother, who didn’t budge from the computer. Lo, what are you doing? Get going already!

Logan stared at the monitor. I’m just checking my e-mail quick. Conman wants to know if he needs to snap his thumb to throw a curveball.

Mindy paused. You’ve got to be kidding!

I know! Logan said. He shouldn’t be throwing curveballs at his age. He’ll wreck his arm!

Mindy blinked and shook her head. Whatever. She punched in Samantha’s phone number. When I’m done here, you better be ready. She waited for someone to answer. Sami Jo? It’s me. Lo and I gotta go back into the computer, so we won’t be around for a while. We got a message from Aimery. He said the only way to kill off that creepy thing in the forest is to go back… Yeah, I know. I’ll miss you too. But you can watch us from your computer… Yeah. It’s tied in to ours. Hey, can you tell the rest of the guys? We gotta go soon. Right after Logan eats his two breakfasts. Mindy nodded as Samantha spoke. Don’t worry. We’ll be back as soon as we can. Don’t do anything crazy while we’re gone.

Like spending time with Kyle, she thought, since I can’t.

Stay in the house as much as you can and don’t let anybody over, okay? And don’t go out at night. Got it…? Okay, Sami Jo. Bye! I mean, talk to you later.

After hanging up, she went to the kitchen and watched the bacon frying in Danby’s skillet. She and Logan were exactly like the tiny grease splatters—jumping out of the frying pan and onto the red-hot burners. Which was worse? Facing an unseen killer or going toe to toe with unknown dangers inside a failing computer?

CHAPTER 3

Logan and Mindy sat in front of their computers in their own bedrooms. Watchman Danby stood in the hallway to observe them both. As they fired the machines up, all three braced themselves for the impact of a Dirt Worm. They had expected one to come crashing through the floor, but it never came. Danby surmised the underground dweller—Shadowind’s version of a fertilizing machine—had found richer soil elsewhere.

He fidgeted nervously with his tie. You’re quite sure you’ll be alright? This doesn’t sound like much of a picnic.

"Don’t tell me. Mindy tossed her head toward Logan in the other room. Tell him. He’s the one who’s excited to go. I’m only going because I have to."

It’s so cool, Logan said. Going inside a computer. How many people can do that?

Danby shifted on his feet. Well, I’m not sure I like the whole affair. The idea of the two of you running around inside a computer for clues on how to kill an alien monster… Well, I find it rather…unsettling.

Mindy’s face softened. Don’t worry about us. We’ll be okay. Besides, we’ll have you to look out for us…sort of.

Danby nodded. Tell Detective Danby that the real Danby says hello.

Logan grinned. "The problem is, he thinks he is the real Danby. Most of the people—um, the programs—don’t have a clue there’s a real world outside the computer. Just Captain Aimery and our mom and dad know about it. At least that’s all we know of."

Danby’s jaw dropped. Remarkable. Who knew this technology existed? I certainly didn’t—and I’m rather intelligent. At least from time to time. And the two of you cracked the passwords as well. I say, that’s quite a tribute to your resourcefulness.

Logan’s face beamed so brightly Mindy could feel the heat all the way across the hall.

Watcher Danby, you shouldn’t talk like that around him. He gets all goofy, like he’s eating a bowl of cereal.

And what’s wrong with eating cereal? Logan shot back. I do my best thinking—

Over a bowl of cereal, Mindy grumbled. Sure, sure. You keep saying that, but how come I never see any results?

Logan sighed. Can we go now? I’m getting tired of sitting around.

Mindy raised her eyebrows. Logan is tired of sitting around? He must have eaten so much sugar he caught a buzz.

Danby smiled for a moment, but it quickly faded. He would miss their playful bantering.

Right then, he said. You’d best be off. Much to do. Be careful and all that. Come back in one piece.

We will, Logan said. His forefinger hovered above the keyboard. Ready, Mindy?

Ready as I’ll ever be.

Logan nodded. See ya later, Detective. Or should I say, see ya soon!

He looked at the black monitor a final time. The computer had posed the question Do you want to enter the computer?