Return to the Spire

By Lex Williams

WARNING: Contains high impact horror and mature themes. Discretion is advised.

The monster's howls echo through the night, silenced by the gunshots of mercenaries. In the weeks since Temel's departure, things have only escalated. Presumed dead, someone must head to the castle and fight back.

That someone is Zorana, the head of the mercenary outfit. But is there something she is hiding from the others? Is she truly prepared to face the horrors that lurk within the castle?

And what does she know of ... the Spire?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lex Williams
• Release date: Feb 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370157037

Lex Williams

Lex Williams is a novelettist ( although occasionally writing novellas with the rare novel ) whose intent is to take advantage of self-publishing stories to provide interesting, different and weird ideas that you won't find in traditionally published stories. Williams typically writes for the horror genre ( usually dipping into the surreal variety ), but has explored other areas, such as ( non erotic ) romance and science fiction.

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Return To The Spire

Lex Williams

Distributed by Smashwords

Copyright 2017 Lex Williams

Thanks to my editor, Lee Cope, who I found through writerfind.com.

Thanks to my cover artist, Pius Pranoto, who I found at deviantart.com under the username, telaga.

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 your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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1

The soldier marched through the night. His baldness and short beard obscured by shadows. He stepped into the light with his powerful, confident gait. Mazin was making his way across the edge of town: to one side were homes and businesses of the people, to the other was the Orphic Forest.

Between them, stood a wall, manned by armed mercenaries.

Mazin approached a watchtower. Lewinsky!

The man in the tower glanced back. Yes, sir!

Anything to report?

Lewinsky held his rifle close and stared into the dark forests. From the inky blackness, something stared back. His grip tightened around his gun. Yes, sir. I'm the one being watched.

Mazin grumbled. By what?

I think it’s the wolfmen, sir.

Mazin took a step closer to the tower. Are you letting the enemy into your head, soldier?

No, sir.

Mazin glared. What?

No, sir!

Mazin pointed at the wall. Then shoot it.

Yes, sir. Lewinsky took aim and fired.

There was sharp grunt as the figure darted back into the forest. Lewinsky sighed.

Mazin folded him arms. Why did you hesitate?

Lewinsky looked back. I …

Mazin grunted. Stop listening to those fucking ghost stories. These things are animals, and we'll put them down like animals. You understand?

Something brushed Mazin's shoulder. He snapped from one motion to the next: block, grab, dodge, twist, gun.

The civilian let out a cry.

Mazin whispered, Never put your hands on us when we're working. These monsters look human enough to confuse you for one of them, got it?

The woman breathed hard. … sure?

Mazin let her go. You got something you want to tell me? He holstered his gun.

She stepped back. I'm sorry.

Out with it! You shouldn't be wandering around at night.

The woman shrugged. I just – my husband is a hunter. You can't keep him from the woods much longer, we'll starve.

We're dealing with it, madame.

Why don't you just kill them all?

Mazin shook his head. That's not my decision. Speak to the mayor. We might be mercenaries, but she's the one who provides the money, and therefore, we answer to her.

The woman sighed. Can't you just-

No. Go back to bed. This is no place for a housewife.

Mazin glared. The woman shrunk away and walked back into the night. Mazin glanced at the wall. He placed one hand against it and listened to the leaves rustle in the breeze. He glanced back to the woman.

She held her shoulders as she walked back through the dark night. His hand slipped over the revolver's handle. He looked back at the wall, staring as if he could see the horrors lurking on the other side.

Mazin whispered, We should …

***

Leaning back in her chair, Kalyani raised her glass of wine to the light. The flickering lamps in her office glowed from across the room. She looked