Harlequin Horizon

By WE Kelton

Violet and Rowan were born identical twins, sister and brother. Aside from their birthday and their similarity in facial features, they shared little in common other than their adoration of handsome men, and playing online roll-playing games. Naturally, they jumped at the chance to beta-test Tales of Lyria. The night of the expansion release, Tales of Lyria: Glacier Citadel, they’d arranged to meet their friends in the in-game tavern, the Parting Shot, so they could explore and adventure.

Instead of hoisting digital tankards of ale, they awoke from a storm induced blackout to find themselves in the journeyman challenges of the Diamond Tower of wizardry and the Rogue’s Guild. As a Diamond Tower wizard, Violet must bond to the spirits of the charms she’s been collecting since the first day she beta-tested the game. If she fails, her wealth of charms becomes property of the tower. To advance in the Rogue’s Guild, Rowan must pit his wits against traps, monsters, and his newly acquired female form.

Separated and facing life-threatening circumstances, how will the twins react to their introduction to life in Lyria? Will they find each other? Is Rowan pissed that he used his sister’s photo during his beta-test character creation and personalization? Can Violet make a life for herself as a wizard without succumbing to the dark emotions that she’s pushed into a corner and decided to ignore?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pandora's Press
• Release date: Feb 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781937916176

WE Kelton

You would think a person with an advanced degree in a science discipline would have more sense than to be a fiction writer. Alas, I apparently skipped that session of course work and ran full bore at the Science Fiction and Fantasy wall. If you heard a teeth rattling sound a while back, pay it no mind - it was just me trying to knock sense back into my own head. Apparently all it did was knock a couple more story lines loose. Go figure.

Book preview

Harlequin Horizon

by

W.E. Kelton

Copyright 2016

Pandora’s Press

Digital Edition

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Chapter 1: Odd Request

You want me to accept what as payment? Violet asked Merchant Howard as she stared at him in surprise.

Merchant Howard held his hat in his hands, and ignored the way the early winter wind blew his few strands of hair into an unruly mess. My daughter’s caravan, he confirmed as he faced the powerful wizard. They had just returned from delivering his daughter and her dowry to Northport. He was selling everything he owned, so he could travel by flight owl to Fountain City and buy a partnership in his cousin’s tavern.

Merchant Howard, the black haired, grey eyed, half blood moon elf, wizard, said as she folded her arms under her impressive bust. Why would I agree to that? Her hair and sensitive ears were protected by the fur trimmed hat she wore. However, the sharp winter wind caused a becoming pink flush to her cheeks. Her long, black, expensively tailored jacket, fluttered, revealing flashes of her jade green gown.

Merchant Howard faced the lovely wizard and held her gaze as he said, You’re a strong wizard Lady Violet. Would it not serve you to have your own means of transportation, when you need to travel at will. You are too mercenary to pay for a carriage to take you where you need to go, when there is no need to travel by flight owl. The cost of feeding and stabling a bison and draft horse would be no more than two silvers a moon. If you will agree to accept the caravan, I will include both a bison and a draft horse.

Violet frowned. She did like the merchant’s caravan. It was the Lyria version of a gypsy caravan, all beautiful wooden lines and gleaming brass. The one he was proposing to exchange for her fee, was chestnut with dark blue shutters, glass windows, and had been well cared for. She had no doubt that Raizel would be able to make it more comfortable than most of the houses in the village. I do not always travel by road, she replied.

Agree Lady Violet and I will sell you my storage house, he baited her.

Show me, Violet instructed. Starport was a quaint seaside city of around ten thousand people. It had a healthy shipping and fishing trade, which made it a consistent target for raiders. Not that any raid ship had landed since Sadie came to live in the town.

Sadie Russell was a siren transformation wizard. Her control of the sea, and weather over the sea, was a thing of nightmares or fantasies if you were a sailor. The sweet Diamond Sky barkeeper had hundreds of offers of marriage, from simple sailors to passing nobles. She’d refused them all with a charming smile and an iron will.

Merchant Howard turned and walked into the large building behind him. It was in a prime location, halfway between the docks and carters and one alley off the main road through the village. He’d maintained the building over the annums he’d owned it, and used it mainly to store his fleet of caravans and trade goods.

Violet entered the warehouse and looked around. It was in excellent condition, and aside from the lone caravan it had been completely cleaned out. Is there an office?

Merchant Howard faced her in surprise. He nodded before he said, This way, and led her to the flight of stairs.

Violet ascended the stairs and looked out the width and breadth of the warehouse. There was a second entrance from the next alley away from the main road as well as the one they entered from. The office was nearer to the entrance she came in from. ‘Divide the space into three,’ her inner real estate broker said as she looked around. ‘Use the most awkward space for your own needs, and rent the rest.’

Violet faced the office for a moment before she said, I’m listening Merchant Howard.

The old merchant settled his hat back on his head as he replied, Thirty gold, is a good price.

For you certainly, Violet conceded. However, fifteen gold is a better price for me.

Merchant Howard shook his head. Fifteen gold is robbery, perhaps you could convince me to accept twenty gold for the building.

Twenty gold would have to include modifications to the interior of the storage building, made by a respected builder, as well as a letter of introduction to your merchants association, so I can make profitable use of the space that I do not require to house the caravan. Also you’ll include an annum of stable care in that price, she countered.

It’s a pleasure doing business with a wizard that knows value, Merchant Howard replied with a business like nod of approval, as he held out his arm for her to clasp. I’ll have the letter delivered to your guild this evening, as well as the transfer of ownership.

I will pay half, and exchange the other half when I receive all letters and notices, Violet replied as they released arms.

Now what changes do you want made? he asked as he watched her critically.

A wall that runs the length of the building, from the side of the office strait across, she replied. An additional wall one third of the space in from this wall, she pointed to the nearest wall. To include rolling barn doors, and a securable tack room.

Merchant Howard glanced around the space and nodded his understanding. I will send you the name of the builder along with the letter of introduction.

Violet nodded and set ten gold coins on the office railing. I will expect you or your messenger this evening, she confirmed.

Merchant Howard collected the gold coins and hid them away while the wizard descended the stairs. He waited until she left the warehouse before he smirked and left through the opposite exit. Builder Montgun has been making enquiries for a securable space to rent. It would undoubtedly be worth an excellent price to come to terms with Lady Violet, he said to himself as he returned to the winter air.

Violet was grateful for the fur hat, as a half moon elf she had long ears that were unbelievably sensitive. ‘I did not expect that winter in Springvale would be this damn cold,’ she groused silently. Her winter coat was buttoned up to her chin, her gloves were fur lined, and her feet were toasty warm in her socks and boots, despite that she walked through slush when she walked in the village.

When she reached Starport Harbor she stared out over the bobbing and swaying ships that were moored to the docks. Beyond the harbor was the Dorcha Sea, the Crescent Islands and the Deep Dorcha Sea beyond the islands. A gust of wind gave Violet a chill and she turned away from her view of the harbor.

She crossed the road and entered what was once a stately home. It had been converted into private apartments, and she absolutely adored it. Violet closed the foyer door behind her and stomped her boots upon the rug so she tracked as little as possible through the communal foyer and atrium.

Her gloved hand trailed over the banister as she headed up to her apartment. She was up on the third floor, one of two apartments on that floor. The apartment itself had a small kitchenette, an office library, two bedrooms a comfortable lounge with a wonderfully large fireplace, and a small bath.

Despite that she had to heat her own water, Violet did enjoy her indoor shower. After seven attempts, utilizing not only Sebastian’s engineering knowledge, Raizel’s arcane ability, and Tobias’ skill with stone, they figured out the necessary plumbing and water delivery issues to ensure she had a functional shower and indoor toilet. It was glorious.

Violet smiled as she approached her door. Having Yves and Sebastian helped her deal with being alive in this world. Their energy and attitude made everything much more bearable. None of them understood how they went from playing an online role playing game, to living in the world of the game. No matter how desperately she wanted to deny it, she wasn’t stupid enough to. She was alive, and she planned on keeping it that way.

Yves was a transformation wizard, the legendary fire giant, Salamander. Sebastian was also a transformation wizard, the legendary ice giant Jotun. They were always picking fights with each other and picking on each other, but they were good company. Creating the bathroom together, had made all of them happy. Not only for the comfort of indoor plumbing, but for the self-confidence that came from being able to influence the world around them. It proved they were themselves, not just digital constructs and back story.

Normally she only went on job requests with them, but Merchant Howard had requested her specifically and singly for the escort. After her last job with her favorite idiots, she needed a little time away to come to grips with what she’d done. She’d lost her temper, and two hundred and four bandits lost their lives to finalize her contracts with the undine spirit Althea, and the sylph spirit Quinn. Before that she had avoided killing during their jobs. Instead she preferred to hand the guilty over to the nearest local garrison.

Violet rested her hand against her apartment door for a moment, before she unlocked it and closed it behind her. She leaned against the door and looked over the cozy apartment. A round picture window dominated the wall and gave her a stunning view of the harbor. She’d made that her feature and placed her loungers and chairs so that she had a view of the harbor no matter where she sat.

Mistress, Raizel greeted.

Violet looked away from her view and toward the brown haired and innocuous looking servant. There was nothing about Raizel that made her note worthy, unless you were sensitive to the arcane. Raizel was an arcane servant, a spirit of arcane energy, during their contract Raizel promised to serve Violet to the best of her skill and power, if Violet agreed to be her mistress in all ways.

Raizel moved around behind Violet, after she unbuttoned the seven buttons that secured the fitted long winter jacket. Raizel slipped the jacket off her mistress’ shoulders, and hung it in the closet to the left of the front door. She knelt before her mistress and unfastened the buckles of the knee high leather boots Violet wore. They were set neatly to the left side of the entry, near Violet’s winter jacket. Raizel would polish them while her mistress rested.

Violet moved through her apartment and headed directly for her dressing room. Raizel unbuttoned the dozen small pearl buttons that secured the high lace collar of her mistress’ dress. Once the collar was released, she unlaced the gold and black corset that molded the dress to her mistress’ shapely body. After the corset was removed, and hung in the closet, Raizel removed the pearl cufflinks from the dress’ three quarter length sleeves. Those she set on a white silk tray with the other cuff links her mistress owned. The pearls were not Raizel’s favorite, but neither were they her least favorite set of cufflinks.

Violet watched as Raizel unlaced the leather bracers that revealed her status as a summoning wizard of the Diamond Tower. The light leather bracers were embossed with a pair of interlocking diamonds. Bracers that held only a single diamond indicated the wizard was a transformation wizard. They would also have a mark that represented the type of transformation wizard they were. Bracers with three diamonds indicated that not only could the wizard summon, but they had advanced enchantment skills.

The color of the bracer indicated the type of magic the wizard used, at least for summoning or two diamond wizards it did. Hers were a light leather color, because she was a humanoid spirit summoner. She had contracts with seven humanoid spirits, which meant she could summon them according to the terms of their contracts. Raizel, as an arcane servant set her terms and it was up to Violet to accept them or not.

Tobias was a gargoyle, she could only summon him after the sun set. Elon, was a light efreet he could only be summoned during the day. Gemelle was a shadow hunter, he could only be summoned when she was in or near shadows. Quinn was a storm sylph, and now that Violet had fulfilled the terms of the contract they were fully bonded, the same with Althea, the undine spirit. Darius was a fall dryad, which caused him to be powerful because his strength came from the conditions of the fall. However, he was also quite formal and he had an innate adoration of all things fall.

Raizel unlaced the floor length green gown, and placed it near the other gowns she needed to clean since they were returned to mistress’ home. She removed a dark blue housedress from a separate closet and slipped on over her mistresses’ head. She fastened the ties in the back, shaping the dress to enhance her mistress’ bust. She slid a thick robe on over the house dress and bowed to her mistress. I will attend to the washing now mistress.

Thank you Raizel, Violet replied before she left her bedroom and looked around her apartment. She frowned as she stood in her living room. Something’s wrong, she said as she looked everything over. With a critical gaze she identified every item in her apartment and compared it with the last time she was home. You, she said in a hiss of breath as she glared at a small table that was across from where she’d left it. She lifted the table and stared at the scorch mark.

Yves, she groaned as she set the table back down where he attempted to hide the damage he’d done to her apartment. Tea, she mumbled to herself as she head to the kitchen. It was there she saw a letter with her name on it. Curious, she opened it.

Violet,

I wanted to tell you this in person but you’re out doing something without us. So mean! You’re probably having all kinds of fun! I’ve been invited to train with Master Robertson, he’s the only Diamond Tower Master that’s also a giant. I need to get my destruction problem under control. It’s not just the fire magic, but that combined with enhanced strength and ‘oops! Sorry about that mountain!’ happens. I’ll miss you. You’ve made these past months so much better. I’ll see you in a year, take care of the guild for me and don’t let Frost Nuts mope.

Your friend,

Yves.

Violet stared at the letter for a long time, before she dropped it in her trash and returned to her room.

Mistress?

I am going to the guild.

Yes Mistress. Raizel immediately undressed her mistress and dressed her again. Raizel enjoyed dressing and undressing her mistress, more than any other task her mistress gave her. The feel of the finely crafted clothing, the way her mistress stood still uncaring and unresponsive to her obvious caresses. Hiding or revealing her mistress’ soft skin, the act of serving as her mistresses hands, made her presence in the human realm a feast of sensation. Too soon, she finished her task and her mistress was clothed.

Violet passed through her apartment and stopped at her foyer as Raizel slipped her feet into her boots, then fastened her into her winter jacket and handed her fur lined gloves.

Violet heard her door close behind her, as Raizel stayed in the human world to take care of her duties to Violet. She moved swiftly down the stairs and back out into the winter weather. A fast walk through the village brought her to the Diamond Sky guild. The guild was located in the northeast section of the village. Her apartment was in the western central section, because it was across from the harbor.

Violet burst into the guild and forced the doors closed behind her. The winter wind had picked up and was making everything more difficult than it needed to be. By the time she wrestled the door closed, the anger she felt at Yves sudden defection was pushed down with the other feelings she didn’t want to look too closely at.

She unbuttoned her long coat as she approached the bar. Good afternoon Sadie, she greeted the red haired bartender. Sadie was a transformation wizard, a siren. Her magic was too dangerous to use for everyday jobs, so she worked at the guild as bartender and assistant to the guild master until she was needed to destroy a raiding fleet.

Hello Violet, what can I get you?

Tea, a nice big pot of strong tea, she said with a sigh.

Sadie smiled. It is a cold one out today. I’ll bring that right over to your usual table.

Thank you, Violet replied as she removed her coat and hung it up on the peg next to the booth she tended to occupy when she was at the guild. She looked over the other occupants, and noticed there weren’t many in today.

Sebastian jumped up onto the nearest table and called out, Listen up everyone! I’m leaving for a year of training with a frost wizard up in Hidden Crest!

No! Sebastian! Kona called out as she charged him, her long golden locks bouncing as she tried to capture him as he leapt from table to table.

Land on my table and I’ll break your leg, Violet warned as she met his gaze. She ignored Kona. The woman was not a part of the guild, but she worked as a bar maid in the guild tavern. From the day Violet, Yves and Sebastian arrived, she started throwing herself at Sebastian. It was enough of a problem that Sadie had been forced to reprimand Kona, because she ignored everything except for Sebastian when he was in the village.

Sebastian chuckled at Violet’s warning and dropped into the booth. He sat across from her. I know better than that, he teased her. He stared at her for a long time before he asked, You’ll be ok right Violet? as he held her gaze.

Do what you need to Sebastian, Violet said as she smiled at him, forcing the pain she felt into the corner of her heart where she was hiding all the fear and anger she felt.

I’ll be back in an annum, he told her.

Violet could tell he was waiting for her to say something, probably about Yves. Good luck Sebastian.

His expression turned pensive. Would you tell Yves for me Violet?

Violet continued to smile as she nodded the affirmative.

Have you seen him yet today? he asked as he watched her carefully.

Violet shook her head. Was I supposed to have? I only return from my last job earlier in the day, she stated as she held his gaze. She saw the flare of surprise in his eyes and crushed the anger that burst into life within her. He knew Yves was gone.

No, Sebastian replied, a little too quickly.

Violet slipped out of the booth and pulled Sebastian into a hug. Good luck, I hope you find what you are looking for, she said softly.

Sebastian stared at her in confusion when she pulled back. He smiled to his guild mates and left the guild with Kona close behind.

Violet? Sadie asked as she appeared with the tea service.

I think I need a job, Violet said as she smiled at Sadie. Maybe one Yves would like to do with me.

That’s a good idea, Sadie encouraged.

Violet left her tea on the table and headed for the job board. She looked for the most destructive and highest paying job she could find. She spotted exactly the one she wanted and snatched it from the board. She took it over to Sadie and handed it to the red head.

Sadie read over the job and her eyes opened wide. Violet, are you certain?

Violet nodded. I know it’s not one I would usually pick, but with Sebastian leaving Yves is not going to have anyone to fight with.

Sadie chuckled. That’s true, as she signed off on the notice. Be careful ok, and don’t let him destroy too much.

Violet sighed. I’ll do my best Sadie! She hesitated for a moment before she said, A messenger from Merchant Howard should arrive for me this evening. Give him this, she set a purse down on the bar, and hold onto the papers he delivers for me would you?

Violet, we have rules about using the guild for, Sadie stopped speaking because the black hair wizard had set two gold coins on the counter. She scooped them off the counter as well as the small purse as she said, I’ll make an exception.

Thank you Sadie, Violet answered before she left the bar, and her tea untouched sitting at her usual table. She didn’t remember putting her winter coat back on, nor did she remember the walk from the guild to her apartment at the harbor.

Pack for a three day excursion to Northport, Violet commanded Raizel as she checked the coins in her purse.

Yes mistress, she answered immediately. She moved swiftly around the apartment and within a half hour everything her mistress would need was attached to her pack. She presented the pack with a deep bow. Mistress.

Violet caught the pack strap and left her apartment. She headed immediately to Starport roost. Flight by riding owl was expensive, but as she was only one it was worth it to ensure she was the on who was able to attend to this job.

Flight Master Rabol, she greeted.

Wizard Violet, the one eyed dwarven woman returned the greeting. Where too?

Northport as swiftly as you are able.

A journey of a gold.

Violet passed over the coin without a thought.

Rabol nodded. She enjoyed doing business with wizards because they knew the price of things, and didn’t hesitate to pay. Wendel will be your flight master. Do ye need him to stay and return you?

It is a three day job, she admitted. I am reluctant to promise that I will be available to leave exactly then.

Rabol nodded her head.

Wizard Violet, the blond bearded and haired dwarf greeted with a familiar nod. Let’s get ye settled, and be off.

Thank you, Violet answered as her pack was taken and secured to the elephant sized riding owl. Immediately after she was settled on the owl’s back and they were launching into the cloudy grey sky. She leaned in close to the flight saddle and rested her cheek on her hands as she lay on the saddle. In this position the owl could fly at its fastest speed and Wendel wouldn’t have to worry about her being blown off.

Chapter 2: Where Anger Swims

It was dusk the next evening when Violet and Wendel arrived at the Northport Roost. She nodded to Wendel, and made herself scarce as quickly as possible. After dark, she summoned Tobias and Quinn.

Mistress? they greeted.

We have a job, and the requestor would likely ignore my power in favor of my feminine look, she stated. They arrived at the village councilman’s house. Tobias knocked on the door, causing it to rattle in its frame.

Hello? a boy asked as he opened the door, his eyes widening ridiculously large when he saw the height and might of Tobias.

I am a wizard of the Diamond Sky guild. We’re here to speak to the Councilman, Violet stated plainly.

The boy stared at her for a moment before he called out, Grandfather! Wizards! he left the door ajar, but didn’t invite them in.

They heard an older voice, and a minute later a silver haired man opened the door more fully. Good evening, he said as he looked them over.

Hello, Violet replied. I’m Violet of Diamond Sky, we’re here to fulfill the job request. She handed him the folded job posting.

The man opened the pages. I’m sorry there must be some mistake, this job calls for very strong wizards, he said as he handed the posting back to her.

So you don’t believe we are strong enough to achieve this objective? she asked calmly.

Sorry, he said as he shook his head.

How about a wager?

Wager? he asked, as he leaned against the doorjamb.

You tell us the details, we get it done in two days, and you pay double, she replied as she folded her arms under her bust drawing his attention.

Two days? he asked as his brows disappeared into his hair line.

Yes, two days, beginning immediately after you tell us all you know about their hideout and the members.

Double or nothing? he confirmed.

So long as you didn’t lie about the dead or alive, she replied.

I didn’t lie, he said, as he glared at the young woman.

In case the worst happens, what proof? Because I certainly don’t want to drag dead bodies through town.

The councilman stared at the delicate looking black haired woman in surprise. They wear a ring on their left thumb, so far as we know they can’t voluntarily take it off – it only releases with their deaths.

Violet nodded. What else?

We believe there are less than eighty members, we aren’t certain of the strength of the raider camp master nor if they are even ever at the camp. We’ve tracked their location, to an islet in the harbor, he told her as he filled the door to his home. That’s all we know. Your time starts now.

Violet smiled at the mayor. Good to know. I’d start getting my reward ready if I were you. Good night, she called out as she walked away. When they were far enough away from the town, she said, Quinn, can you fly me to the islet in the harbor?

Yes Mistress, she replied as she felt Violet’s power flow into her. Her eyes glittered with destruction when the Mistress caught her hand and they disappeared into the sky. When they reappeared they were out in the harbor, one small island away from a mist shrouded island.

From her position she could see the exposed façade of the cavern building. There you are, Violet purred. Tobias, please destroy the building’s foundation, she commanded as she stared out over the water. Do as much damage as you wish too. No reason to allow raiders to regain what we are about to take from them, she stated.

Thank you Mistress, he said as he launched himself at the base of the building.

Violet watched until a part of the building crashed down upon itself. When the raiders were attempting to flea the crumbling stone, she summoned Althea.

Mistress? the beautiful water spirit asked as her blue eyes flared with blood lust. One of her long pigtails, curled around Violet as Althea absently agitated the water around them.

Wash them away and drown them, Violet commanded as she pointed to the fleeing raiders.

Gladly, Althea purred. Come to me my bloated fishes! she called out as waves of water crashed into the crumbling building and captured the struggling humans in bubbles of water that wouldn’t release until they were dead.

Violet summoned Raizel.

Mistress? she greeted.

Collect the rings from the thumbs of the dead, she commanded.

Yes Mistress. The brunette maid walked into the sea and disappeared underwater as she started removing the rings.

Violet waited in the dark as her spirits hunted down and killed each and every member of the raiders outpost. By the time Tobias finished the building was rubble, the raiders were dead, and half the island was destroyed.

Tobias and Althea disappeared, having enjoyed themselves thoroughly. After the last ring was collected Raizel returned to her mistress’ side.

How many? Violet asked.

Sixty-three, she replied as she handed Violet the bag of rings.

Let’s see who comes to investigate, she said as she settled down on the rocks of the islet. She shivered once, as