Chalice: Part One

By Eris Kelli

Raylea Scott is a busy, self driven, college student with no idea what lies in wait within her. When a dangerous situation awakens the magic it will change not just her life, but the lives of mankind.

There is something about Raylea that has Vince McAllister intrigued. Captivated he ends up witnessing an incident that sucks him in to the hurricane like situation where finds he’s falling for Raylea.

With the help of friends, Raylea might just survive and discover a potential that will shape a future no one could have seen coming.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eris Kelli
• Release date: Aug 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370243693

Eris Kelli

Eris Kelli grew up in the pacific northwest as the youngest of eight children. Her writing is fueled by her love of adventure, learning and her drive to explore an idea. She now resides in Midwest America, with her husband, two beautiful children, (who keep her running,) and two happy puppies.Currently she is fast at work on the fifth book in the Piper LeVine Series and several other projects are in the works as well including her Witch Hunter Series!Make sure to connect with Eris on Facebook! And don't forget to review!

Book preview

Chalice

The Legendary Series

Book One

Part One

By Eris Kelli

Author Contact

Website: authoreriskelli.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErisKelliFansPage/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eris_kelli

Chalice

The Legendary Series

Book One

Part One

By

Eris Kelli

Copyright © Eris Kelli 2016

Published by Smashwords

ISBN: 9781370243693

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

All rights reseved. No part of this book may be repoduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever, including photocopyingrecording or by aninformation storage and retrieval system, without written pemission from the publisher/author. Printed in the U.S.A.

Books By Eris Kelli

Piper LeVine, A Gypsy’s Truth book 1

Piper LeVine, The Path of Betrayal book 2

Piper LeVine, Follow the Leader book 3

Piper LeVine, They Call me Assassin book 4

Piper LeVine, Destiny’s Scribe book 5

Witch Hunter book 1

Novellas

Lost: Richard Becomes Baobhan

Short Stories

Carry Me Home

Dedication: This one is for Donna Kimball. You always loved this one and I hope you still do. I’ve loved you from the beginning, I love you now, and I always will.

A Note to My Readers:

Thank you so much for reading!

I hope you truly love the first book in the Legendary Series, Chalice: Part One.

Please remember if you love this book to review, it means so much to me and it’s the lifes blood of authors today. I read all of your reviews and it helps get great books in more hands when you review. Thank you!

Love, Eris

PS. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to hear about new releases and giveaways!

PREFACE

He won’t do it, Caesar. He knows you’re too powerful, Markus said watching the live feed.

Caesar laughed, folding his arms and leaning forward. His anticipation was palpable. He’ll do it alright. I made sure he felt I was using the elixir on the team already.

Why aren’t you using the elixir? Why trick him? Let’s use it, Markus asked.

It’s politics, Markus. You know nothing of them. I’m a trusted guardian of the elixir but I have to use it responsibly. Measures have been taken that would find me a dead man were I to engage in using the elixir without the vote of the council.

They watched the screen as Dr. David Santana wiped his brow with the back of his hand. He picked up the Chalice and poured nearly four ounces into a beaker.

You were right he took some of the elixir, Markus said. His long white scar that ran diagonally from under his left eye, over his nose ending at his right jaw line stretched when he smiled. The scar was old but puckered up on his skin.

Markus was ugly with tiny silver blue eyes and long face. He was dense with muscle and not challenged by morality which made him perfect for his job as Caesar’s right hand man.

Should I kill him now?

Caesar ran his hand over his clean shaven chin. No. I want him to release it in a public place. Make sure he does. The bigger the diversity the better. I want this to be widespread, Markus.

He’s going to the hospital benefit tonight, Markus added. It’s an international event because of the performing artist.

Good.

Markus then left to tail the doctor.

Caesar placed a conference call to the council. It’s happened. A foreign doctor has taken elixir from the Chalice.

How could you let this happen? The voice belonging to the eldest member of the council boomed over the speaker.

He’s being tracked now but my man said he’s already released the elixir into the water at an international function. It’s what was foretold to happen. It’s why we’ve kept the elixir, Caesar said sitting on the desk. You all know what we must do.

There was silence. He heard what sounded like a woman sniffling.

I vote, yes, the council lead said. One by one everyone voted yes, even the ones who were crying, which turned out to be both men and women.

I will go get our chosen ones. We will protect our country. We will be the strongest. Rome will be great again, Caesar said leaping to his feet.

The council did not share his excitement in the least. They were old and they didn’t get to be Caesar. They were jealous.

Caesar ended the call. He took two of the staff hired to guard the elixir with him. The first house was of the ancient Roman line of DiAlberto where he would pick up the first chosen. Caesar knocked forcefully on the door trying not to smile.

The door opened. Caesar gave the coded command to the man of the house. The fool appeared stricken, even clutching at his chest. I don’t believe it. Are you sure? I never imagined it would come to pass in my lifetime.

You are meant to say your goodbyes to your son and send him out without any further discussion. This is an honor. Your home is paid for. Your life is paid for because your family has always known this day would come.

Wait here, the man said. A woman started crying probably the mother. Caesar heard them break out in an argument. He decided he would send the staff to the door with the code word for the next two houses.

They were being too emotional about all this.

Don’t you understand they’ll kill us if we don’t? We’ve spent millions. They’ll kill him too. This is better, the man told his wife as he led his son to the door at last.

The boy was wide eyed and shaking. His face was wet with tears.

Finally, Caesar said. He put his hand on the boy’s shoulder leading him to the car. How old are you, boy?

I’m ten, he said his lip shaking.

Do you like superheroes, Tiberius?

The boy shook his head of black hair. That’s not my name.

It is now. You will call me Caesar, and you will not cry anymore.

The driver went with the code word to the next house and the second boy looked a bit older than Tiberius. He was scowling, his jaw tight, but he wasn’t crying. Clearly his parents had seen fit to warn him of what might come to pass.

You are Rome, now. How old are you? Caesar asked the boy with broad shoulders. He was going to make a fine warrior.

Thirteen.

The third guardian was a girl. She too was crying like Tiberius. Caesar told her that she was to be known from this point on by the name Venice. After he got that much out he went to the front of the limo to ride with the driver so he wouldn’t have to hear the crying.

Once they reached the tower, the children had formed a bond. Rome was out front protecting Venice and Tiberius. Caesar thought he would be the natural leader.

He took them to the Chalice and called Markus to make sure he’d done his job. It’s done, Caesar. Dr. Santana is dead. The elixir was ingested through the punch by more than fifty children.

Well done.

Caesar picked up the Chalice. This would make him powerful. It would extend his life to three times the average lifespan and he would spend it in good health. He tipped the Chalice back, drinking from the heavy goblet.

The elixir glowed blue, refilling itself as the walls of the Chalice leaked the elixir until it was full again. Power ran through him like he’d swallowed a tiny bolt of lightning.

I am your Caesar. You are my guardians. Through my direction you will make our country safe. You will protect us. Protect your families. Drink, he said handing the cup to Rome.

The boy drank from the goblet. He watched it refill. Caesar drank again from the goblet ensuring he would have power over Rome.

Drink, he commanded Venice.

Her long angel blonde hair was braided, her blue eyes bloodshot, and wide with fear. I don’t want to be a guardian.

Your family will pay if you do not do this.

Rome turned to her. We promised to take care of each other remember? I promise I’ll get you out of here. But you have to drink or they will kill your family and you.

Venice grabbed Rome’s hand. You promise? You’re going to get us out?

I swear it.

Caesar had to hold the Chalice as Venice was shaking too hard to trust her with it. Caesar drank after her. He offered the Chalice to Tiberius.

He took the Chalice glaring at Caesar as he did. He took a drink from it then thrust it back toward Caesar. I’m going to get my powers and then I’m going to make you let us go.

Caesar drank one last time from the Chalice. He set the Chalice back on its pedestal. Kneel, he commanded. The three of them slammed onto their knees so fast and hard that the shock of it was all over their faces.

I am your Caesar. You cannot harm or disobey me. You belong to me now. Together we’re going to show the world who is the most powerful.

Their eyes were changing to nearly fluorescent blue. Their blood recognized the elixir.

They were true guardians.

***

Dr. David Santana stepped out of the taxi holding the door open for his son. This should be one of the most rewarding nights of his life. It wasn’t. The foreboding feeling began when he stole some of the elixir from the Chalice. The feeling grew into an all-consuming feeling of impending doom.

That mad man calling himself Caesar knew by now what he’d done.

Sweat made his shirt stick to his back. David palmed the vial. On instinct, he slipped it into his son’s pocket without his son knowing. He patted his shoulder. Big brown questioning eyes rose to meet his.

What’s wrong, Dad? Are you upset about Mom not being here? His son squinted his big eyes.

He’s so innocent.

Santana forced a smile. His son should not be there with him, danger was bound to catch up to him soon. Caesar most likely sent his man Markus to kill him once he discovered the missing elixir.

I just need a minute. Go ahead and get on the boat. Let the director know I’ve arrived. David ran his hand over the fine brown hair covering his son’s head. His son nodded and then trotted down the pier.

He is a good boy.

A few deep breaths along with slow pacing did not calm him as he had hoped. The boat was being prepared to leave. No more time. He hurried down the pier.

Markus cleared his throat.

David recognized him as he stood in the only corner of the dock the lamp light did not reach. David, you look like you’re in a hurry. Markus stepped out of the darkness. A challenging glint shined in his small, hooded, silver eyes.

The long white scar running from his nose to his right ear was thin but puckered on his lean face. His brown curly hair added to his otherwise barely average height. With or without the scar he was ugly.

I am. David nearly fell over himself to put a few more feet between himself and Caesar’s hired man. This benefit is for my hospital. Caesar knew I had to come back for this. The boat is leaving-

When Caesar invited you to research the ancient elixir, he made it clear that none would be permitted to leave his palace.

Markus leapt forward.

David was not fast enough to get out of the way of the syringe.

The needle was thick. David shoved away from him. The needle broke off in his leg.

Stumbling up the plank he heard Markus saying, Bon voyage, Dr. Santana That should kick in ‘bout a minute. It works fast.

Markus had not lied. He was already squinting to focus past the blurred edges of his vision. David held onto the railing and kept walking.

He had to get that elixir.

Caesar was going to use the Chalice to enhance his own personal army. David saw what the elixir could do. There would be no stopping Caesar if he was the only one with the elixir.

The children’s area? he asked a staff member as the boat set sail. The blurring was getting worse. His legs were growing stiff. David used the wall for support as he followed the staff member who was showing him the way.

Thank heaven, he was right. His son went right to the kids supervised center. David showed his ID to the supervising staff. They let him enter.

Hey, Dad, Rowen Saint Claire is here. David reached into his son’s pocket as soon as he was close enough. He took out the vial.

I have to dilute it.

The punch bowl was within arm’s reach, he dumped it in. What was that? his son asked.

His son has to be protected. Caesar will come for him, he’s sure of it.

David quickly scooped a cupful handing it to his son. Drink it. Hurry. His son obeyed. David shuffled several feet to the left. He felt like the ship was tipping over.

Dad? He could read the fear in his son’s eyes as he caught himself on the wall.

Protect yourself, son. You’ve got the power now. Go to your mother. Tell her you’ve had the elixir from the Chalice. She’ll tell you… He trailed off as he noticed the supervisor passing out punch to all the children.

He opened his mouth to protest but it was painfully dry.

These children were from all over the world. The benefit was to raise money to study and find a cure for cancer in which his hospital specialized. With the international mega star Saint Claire attending, the benefit earned record numbers in attendance.

He slid down the wall. Go find a phone. Call your mom. Don’t come back for me, or he’ll kill you. David gave his son a shove and then watched him run away. His lower body felt stiff, piercing with pain. The feeling traveling up his body. He would be dead any minute. He closed his eyes to pray.

Are you okay?

Opening his eyes again was difficult. The first thing he was able to register was the empty cup wrapped in long slender fingers. Warm brown eyes were next.

This child would grow up to stand against the darkest of evils and she didn’t even know it. Caesar would hunt her out as soon as the elixir was triggered within her. Would she stand with his son?

Can you hear me? Her grip on his hand was strong and confident. Perhaps there was a warrior within her yet. The coldness of death was gripping him. He wanted to know her name. He had to believe that along with his son she would make the difference.

Your name? His voice was raspy, slurred.

Icy fingers squeezed his heart.

My name is Raylea Scott.

TEN YEARS LATER

CHAPTER ONE

**Raylea**

Music faded away behind them. The sound of spiked heels hitting concrete bounced off the cement walls of the underground parking lot. Yellow lights did not push away much of the darkness and the stench of someone’s recent vomiting bout stimulated Raylea Scott’s gag reflex.

Crystal was almost completely limp on Raylea’s back. She dropped one of the fuchsia heels she was carrying, and it banged against the floor like a gunshot.

This is absolutely the last time I agree to be the designated driver.

Raylea stepped over Crystal’s shoe and continued to the car.

Raylea, do you know you’re my fest briend? Crystal patted the top of Raylea’s head.

Happy twenty-first, Crys. Raylea slowly lowered Crystal’s feet to the ground hoping there was not any glass to cut them. Crystal sprawled across the hood of the navy blue Volkswagen beetle. She continued to slide right off, laughing all the while. Crys, you’re killing me. Raylea grinned as she opened the passenger door then turned back for her friend.

A tall pale skinned man stood over Crystal, smiling down at her with sharpened teeth.

Where did he come from?

Raylea felt her heart hammering against her chest. Get away from her. She grabbed Crystal’s wrist trying to jerk her to her feet. Crystal was like a bag of bricks.

This was not the first time a weirdo had approached her but this time was different. Pure evil emanated off of the guy. His blue eyes laughed at her.

He is going to kill us.

Raylea didn’t know how she knew his intent, she just did.

Crystal stared up at their executioner. She did not move no matter how hard Raylea pulled at her. Crys, get up. Come on.

His blue eyes shifted to Raylea. They widened, his body went rigid. I know you. He took a step toward Raylea.

No you don’t. Get lost. Her arms felt stronger now. She lifted Crystal from the ground and shut her into the car. Raylea scanned the parking lot but she did not see anyone. The rest of their group was still inside drinking and dancing the night away.

The strange guy drew closer to Raylea. I know you.

What is this guy on?

Raylea dialed the police on her cell. She backed away from the man.

He was smiling again. Hang up your phone. His voice was full of authority. His stance on the offensive.

Raylea felt a rumbling in her chest, adrenaline pumping through her veins. Everything was becoming very clear. Focused. She could see the detail in his eyes, the black flecks that circled around his pupils.

A roar tore from her lips when he opened his mouth revealing long white fangs. Her skin felt like it was on fire as silky black fur grew from every pore.

What is happening? This can’t be real. It’s a dream.

Her bones snapped, growing. She fell forward onto gigantic black clawed paws. They blurred in her vision.

A man’s voice yelled out echoing throughout the cement structure.

The next thing she knew she was on her stomach trying to force air into her shocked frozen body but couldn’t. Her vision swallowed up in darkness.

Sunlight burned her eyes.

She was warm, the chill of cold cement gone. Raylea heard Crystal moan and her eyes popped open. They had almost been killed, hadn’t they? Crystal sat up in the arm chair she was sprawled out on. She rubbed her forehead. What time is it? Crystal asked.

Raylea stared at her wide eyed.

I’m missing a shoe. Crystal held up one fuchsia high heel.

The sleeves to Raylea’s red dress were ripped from the elbow all the way to her shoulders. She sat up holding up her arms so that the shredded sleeves hung down in tatters.

Raylea, what happened to you? Crystal staggered toward her holding onto her head of chocolate brown hair, wincing with every step.

Raylea slid off the chair onto bare feet.

Where are the pantyhose I put on? Where are Bailey’s shoes I borrowed? My purse? I love that purse.

Raylea? Crystal was squinting at her. How come we didn’t go to our room? That guy brought us home. Who was he?

A guy? Blue eyes with black flecks and long white teeth flashed in her memory. What did he look like? Did he do anything to you? Raylea grabbed Crystal’s hand.

To me? You’re the one who looks like she got dropped into a blender. Crystal slid her hand from Raylea’s. She reached behind Raylea and held up both of their purses.

No wonder my back feels