The Starfall Prophecy, Shadow Apocalypse, Book Two

By PJ White

After narrowly escaping from Ashen 2, Robert Hewson and the crew of the URM Starglider Cleopatra find themselves imprisoned on the far side of the galaxy by an enemy that seems hell bent on their destruction.
Back home on Mars, the leaders of the Sanctuary launch a mission to locate the Cleopatra, but before long another crew, among them Kate Hewson, become engaged in their own cruel game of survival.
To escape the confines of their prison planet, Robert Hewson must learn the truth about their mysterious captor, but to defeat this enemy, he and the others will be forced to make a choice and gamble on their very existence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PJ White
• Release date: Oct 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370960354

PJ White

I have a wonderful wife and a fantastic two year old son. We currently live in Fareham, which is a great part of the UK. Not too built up or congested just yet, thank God! When we're not being given the run around by our very energetic son Liam, Kate and I both enjoy parking ourselves in front of the TV and getting absorbed into a good film or TV series. (Mr Whedon's back catalogue is usually quite popular with us!!)

Book preview

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The Starfall Prophecy, Shadow Apocalypse, Book Two

By PJ White Copyright 2017

Smashwords Edition

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 favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you

This book is dedicated to my son Liam. You are my strength. Always stay a child somewhere in your heart.

Contents:

Title

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Citadel

Chapter 2: The Calm before the Storm

Chapter 3: Pike

Chapter 4: The Tymor Pass

Chapter 5: Palairia

Chapter 6: The Martians

Chapter 7: The Cavalry

Chapter 8: Is there anybody out there?

Chapter 9: Zulu Beta One

Chapter 10: Lost and Found

Chapter 11: Crossing Over

Chapter 12: Decisions

Chapter 13: The Black Cathedral

Chapter 14: Small Strides

Chapter 15: Dark Hour

Chapter 16: Touchdown

Chapter 17: An Untimely Discovery

Chapter 18: Visitation

Chapter 19: Back in Training

Chapter 20: Pickup

Chapter 21: Seeing Red

Chapter 22: Search & Rescue

Chapter 23: Home Again

Chapter 24: Nothingness

Chapter 25: A Brave New World

Chapter 26: Choices

Chapter 27: To be or not to be

Chapter 28: Down to Earth

Chapter 29: Inside

Epilogue

End

Prologue

As the last shards of light abandoned the arid landscape of the Northern wastelands, only the footfalls of the damned could be heard against that of the biting winds. To speak of the abominations that inhabited this most desolate of all places was enough to drive fear into the hearts of even the most courageous, but to see so many assembled, driven by one malevolent consciousness, was enough to make ones blood run cold.

In the heart of darkness, on a horse drawn chariot stood Ismael Kovak, sorcerer and champion of the chaos hordes. Even though Kovak had been killed nearly two decades earlier at the hands of his enemies, he had not been allowed to languish within whatever personal hell he’d deserved. Instead his worshipers had resurrected him to embody the residing evil and malignancy of the Northern wastelands for all time and lead their people to victory over the Emperor.

The boundless darkness that now flowed through Kovak’s veins had given him many new gifts, among them clairvoyance. Though he could not accurately foretell the future, Kovak’s visions did give him opportunities to change things that had not yet come to pass, and for some time now his visions had shown him only the cloud topped mountains of Palairia. The exact nature of the disturbance remained a mystery to Kovak, but he knew that whatever its origins, it threatened the very fabric of reality and as such he wanted dominion over it.

Chained at Kovak’s feet, lay a young peasant man from one of the outlying Northern colonies. The man knew why he was still alive and was also burdened with the knowledge of how he would meet his end, as Kovak’s resurrection had come at a price.

Sensing his thoughts, Kovak looked down at the man and lowered the hood of his robe.

Looking up for only a moment, the man took in the drawn face and blackened teeth, but could not bring himself to look into the eyes of madness. He knew that one glimpse into those black holes of despair would destroy what little of his sanity still remained.

With one hand Kovak reached down slowly to the man and lifted him off of his feet. Then in one smooth motion, Kovak drew his dagger and ran its serrated edge across his victim’s neck. As the man hung there convulsing, Kovak drank deeply from the open vein, savouring the taste of fear.

With the man now dead, Kovak snapped the chain from around his leg and pitched the lifeless body over the side of the chariot.

Almost immediately Kovak was transformed. The greying hair, lightened considerably, as did the condition and pigment of his skin, until finally Kovak looked no older than his victim had been. With his youth temporarily restored, Kovak looked out across the barren landscape and smiled. He and his army would descend on Palairia in three days, at which time the secret of this hidden power would be unlocked and the armies of darkness would be sent forth to cover the earth. Kovak would make sure of it.

Chapter 1: The Citadel

A gentle autumn breeze blew through the quiet township of High Oak. It was not enough to affect the temperature, but just strong enough to the loosen the leaves until they fell in their thousands, creating an ever changing mosaic of red and gold down the centre of the main road.

Consisting of only a sprinkling of houses, a tavern, a mill and three farms, High Oak was not a location that suited the young, but its population were hard working and friendly and welcomed new settlers with open arms.

Interrupting the symphony of the dawn chorus, a man on horseback flew down the main road.

Asben Faltow had been riding for the last two days, stopping only to rest his horse and catch a few minutes of fitful sleep. Three days ago, his home village of Tonmay had been razed to the ground by a vast army. The invaders had shown no interest in looting the village, they had only been interested in destroying it and capturing as many of its inhabitants as possible, but for what dread purpose, only God himself knew.

Asben had been returning from an errand in the village of Carparth when the attack had taken place, and as the army of thousands had descended on Tonmay, he had remained hidden. Wracked by guilt, Asben had approached the smoking ruins after the army had withdrawn and it was then that he had discovered the barely breathing body of his father.

Banishing the thought from his mind, Asben reached the centre of High Oak and took the trail that led across the back of the Cedar Tor.

At the summit, Asben was confronted by a high walled building with a tower that overlooked the town. For several hundred years this had been the site of a Pagan temple, but in recent times, foreign marauders had desecrated the grounds and the building, driving the priests away and back to their one remaining temple in the city of Malmouth.

The badly damaged building had since been painstakingly restored by its new residents and dubbed by them and the locals as the Citadel.

Before he had died, Faltow’s father had told him that an old comrade of his, Captain Gorth Tomlin now resided here and that he could be relied on for support.

Faltow approached a small flight of steps that led to two large black iron embossed doors.

Running up the steps two at a time, he stopped in front of the doors and with the hilt of his sword, struck the heavily stained woodwork twice.

Without making a sound, a smaller doorway at the centre of the left door opened and a very strange looking man with wild black hair appeared.

Standing there barefooted, the man wore only a pair of dark green trousers and an unbuttoned white shirt and from the smell of him, he was quite drunk.

Good morning sir. Asben said. Apologies for disturbing you at this hour. I am looking for Captain Gorth Tomlin. I need to speak with him urgently.

The only noticeable reaction from the man was a slightly raised eyebrow and an almost inaudible sigh. He then disappeared backwards through the open door and beckoned Asben inside.

The instant he crossed the threshold, Asben felt a blade spring to his throat.

Who are you? A woman’s voice asked, the tone controlled and cultured.

As I have told your associate, I am looking for Captain Gorth Tomlin. Is he here?

That depends who is asking? The woman said, clearly intrigued as to how he knew Tomlin.

My name is Asben Faltow. My father served with Captain Tomlin. Before he died he told me that I might find him here?

Release him. A man’s voice called out from the darkness.

Beyond the doorway Asben could see a large reception room and to the left of the entrance was a stone staircase and it was from here that the anonymous figure approached.

You are Crispin Faltow’s son? The man asked, with his face still masked by darkness. If you are who you claim to be then you will have something in your possession that your father will no doubt have given you before he died?

Asben undid the first two buttons of his shirt and removed a chain from his neck. Attached to the chain was a small pendant in shape of an eye, through the centre of which was a bolt of lightning.

Out of the darkness came a tall middle aged man with long dark hair.

I am Tomlin. What news of Tonmay do you bring?

Destroyed, its people either captured or scattered throughout the borderlands. Asben replied bitterly.

Who did this? Tomlin asked.

I don’t know, but before my father died he told me to tell you that Kovak had returned.

Tomlin’s eyes widened at hearing Kovak’s name, something which did not go unnoticed by Asben.

This name means something to you? Asben stated.

Something yes. Though how this ‘man’ can be alive, I don’t know? Please come this way. Tomlin said, beckoning Asben to follow him into the reception room where there was a large circular table made of solid oak.

The inebriated man and the woman also followed and with everyone now more at ease, they sat down around the table. Across the table’s face, Asben saw a beautifully detailed map of Balkoria and its neighbouring countries. High Oak was inscribed in red italic at the map’s exact centre, above which was a cloaked spectre, holding a scythe.

Introductions. This is Taren Godspell. Tomlin said motioning to his left. And to my right is Cortez Villalobos.

Obviously you came here to seek our help Tomlin said rhetorically. Though at this point I am not sure what help we can realistically be? The army you speak of is vast and by all accounts, the damage has already been done.

Will you do nothing? Asben said angrily.

Calm yourself boy. Tomlin said. We may well be mercenaries, but this business with Kovak transcends everything and unless this matter is dealt with now, we are all in grave danger.

So what do you suggest? Asben asked.

At first light, we will travel to Malmouth to see another old friend. As for tonight, you are quite welcome to stay here as our guest.

*****

After their initial discussion, Tomlin invited Asben outside for a walk of the grounds, leaving Cortez and Taren to disappear back up the stone staircase.

Once outside, they walked along the grass filled moat and Tomlin started their conversation by telling Asben about the Citadel’s turbulent history. He explained that the moat was a fairly recent addition and that once there had been a vineyard that surrounded one half of the building.

Asben could see that most of the masonry was in good repair, though in places the walls were still scarred by battle, some of which looked like it had been caused fairly recently. It seemed unlikely that the priests would have put up much of a fight before being driven away, so Asben presumed the Citadel had been attacked far more recently than Tomlin had led him to believe, which on reflection made sense, as no doubt in their line of work they had made enemies.

So go on then. Ask me about your father. Tomlin said, more as a statement than a question.

I saw around the table that you and Cortez have the same pendant as my father. Asben replied in a similar tone. My father always told me that he had been given the pendant by my mother, though it would appear that that was a lie?

Yes. Tomlin said, not really sure what else to say.

So what is its relevance? Asben continued.

"About twenty years ago, your Father, Cortez and myself were with the Imperial Guard and were part of the raiding party that brought Ismael Kovak to justice.

I see. Asben remarked. He had grown up hearing stories about Ismael Kovak, though never dreamed his father had been involved. So the pendant marks the occasion?

Yes. But there’s more to it than that. Thirty six men stormed Kovak’s family estate, but only twelve survived. It was then that we all swore to honour the dead by wearing something that would remind us of what we’d witnessed.

Continuing to walk the perimeter, Asben considered quietly what Tomlin had told him and as they completed their circuit of the moat, Tomlin led the way up the sharp incline where they were again greeted by the beautiful panoramic view of High Oak.

Dead men do not return from the grave. Asben said weakly. What were Kovak’s crimes and how did he meet his end?

Tomlin looked deeply into Asben’s eyes before responding. Asben could see he resented him for asking this, but he didn’t much care and after all, it was Tomlin who had instigated the conversation.

Kovak was a crusader, quite literally. He had been born into a wealthy family and there are rumours that he was already a murderous bastard by the age of twelve. At sixteen he joined the Imperial Guard and some say that it was during the battle for the holy lands in the Teratalli peninsula that Kovak first learned of the Starfall prophecy.

Starfall? Asben said.

A fairy-tale that my father used to tell me and his father before him. The tale speaks of a great fire in the sky and of a traveller searching for someone to pass on all the knowledge of the ages to before returning home.

So what happened to him? Asben asked, slightly confused by what he was hearing.

In the end what started out as a mere curiosity turned into an outright obsession. Kovak murdered and tortured entire villages to get any information he could to further his ‘quest’. Years later he returned to Teratalli having been told there was a scroll hidden in the archives at Thoomsburg. He and his band of marauders sacked the town and burned it to the ground. No one knows if he actually found what he was looking for, though it was shortly afterwards that my unit were despatched to kill Kovak and anyone else in league with him. We eventually caught up with him and after much bloodshed, Kovak was hung, quartered and his remains scattered throughout the lands in locations known only to six of the twelve survivors.

Was my father one of the six? Asben asked, already knowing the answer.

Yes. As was I and Cortez. The friend in Malmouth I spoke of earlier, Pike, he is another.

So we go to Malmouth to warn him? Asben asked

If I know Pike. Tomlin replied. He will probably already be aware of what has happened in Tonmay.

How?

Pike has friends in low places and is somewhat paranoid, which in our profession can be a very healthy thing. Come, let’s go back inside and have a drink.

Chapter 2: The Calm before the Storm

Taren and Cortez had spent most of the afternoon preparing for the journey to Malmouth, which had left Tomlin more time to spend with Asben.

Having spent such a large part of his life with Crispin Faltow, it felt like he had known this young man for far longer than the few hours it had been since his arrival. In fact so similar was he to his father, Tomlin felt as though he had been thrown back in time and was now re-visiting his own youth. It was a strange sensation, because as strongly as he was saddened by Crispin Faltow’s passing, having his son here helped to restore the natural order of things, more so than he would have thought possible. Tomlin wondered if his father’s teachings had been passed on to him, as if things continued to develop as he feared, then young Faltow would no doubt need to rely on his prowess with a blade.

The afternoon passed quickly for all and the evening was eased along with a good meal of roast boar, spring vegetables and a light intake of mead. After their meal Taren and Cortez picked up their drinks and walked back into the reception room followed by Tomlin and Asben.

Everything is ready for tomorrow morning. Taren said to Tomlin after taking another sip of her mead.

Excellent. And I guess you’ll have the chance to break in that new colt of yours? Tomlin remarked.

We’ll see. Taren replied with a raised eyebrow.

It may well be the colt that ends up breaking her in. Cortez said, downing the rest of his glass before reaching across the table for the rest of the bottle.

Enough already. Taren said and then turned round to face Asben. Tell me Asben, where did you get that scar from?

Involuntarily Asben ran his left index finger along the deep furrow that ran from his right ear to his jaw and blushed when he realised he’d done it.

Hope I haven’t hit a nerve? Taren said smiling.

No, though the story is slightly embarrassing.

Do tell. Taren pressed.

Not much to tell really. When I was a child I took my father’s sword and thought it would be fun to have a mock battle with my best friend who had taken his own father’s sword. Asben said with a smile. It ended with me catching some steel, but suffice it to say, when my father found out, his ‘disapproval’ was far worse than the wound itself.

I could very well imagine that. Tomlin said laughing at the thought before continuing. What of your mother?

Mother was caught in a borderland skirmish four years ago and was seriously wounded. She survived the encounter, though never really recovered from it and died a year later. Asb

I am truly sorry for your loss. Tomlin offered. Does your uncle still live in Tonmay?

Sadly he’s gone too.

Well I know it’s no consolation, but you can stay here with us for as long as you want to.

Conversations span out for another hour or so before Tomlin called time on the evening, suggesting that everyone rested in readiness for the coming day.

Following Tomlin up the staircase to the first floor, Asben was shown to a small but comfortable looking room that comprised of a single bed and a wicker chair. As he sat down on the bed, he looked at the opposite side of the room and there on the wall was an ancient tapestry depicting some long since forgotten battle, though as he tried to focus on it, his vision began to blur. Due to the length of the day, more than the intake of alcohol (or so he thought), Asben didn’t bother to take off his clothes. Instead he fell onto the bed face first and was asleep immediately.

*****

Coming awake at dawn, Asben had hardly moved at all. He didn’t think he had overindulged the night before, but given his current condition, he now suspected the mead had been somewhat stronger than he was used to.

Turning over in the small bed, Asben screwed up his eyes involuntarily as they registered the bright early morning sun shine. Not one to dwell on such things as a foggy head, he walked slowly down the stairs to the ground floor, opened the door that led to the courtyard and walked over to the well, where he quickly lowered the bucket down the shaft. Once the bucket had completed its return trip, Asben took a long draught from the icy cool water and to bring himself fully awake, he leaned over the edge of the well and emptied the remains of the bucket over his head. He then walked back inside the Citadel where he found Cortez laying an assortment of breakfast foods on the circular table.

Good morning. Cortez said, selecting an apple from the selection Judging from your slightly moist appearance, I’m presuming the mead made you sleep a little too well?

Indeed. Asben smiled, wiping a bead of water from his forehead before following Cortez’s example by selecting an apple.

From behind them Tomlin and Taren descended the stairs and entered the room.

Is it my imagination or do you seem a little wet behind the ears this morning? Taren asked with the beginnings of a smile.

What can I say? I like to bathe before I eat. Asben replied, flushing at the remark.

I did not take the mead to be so strong? Tomlin laughed. I’ve put some more suitable clothes in your room. After breakfast go and get changed and then we’ll set out for Malmouth.

Chapter 3: Pike

The sun carried with it an incredible amount of heat for such an early hour and for three of the four riders leaving High Oak, it could definitely be described as pleasurable, though this was not the case for Asben. The combination of the sun and the rocking motion of the horse did not help his current ‘condition’ in the least.

Tomlin looked back and laughed, immediately seeing through the brave face of his young companion. He suspected some of the bravado was due to his close proximity to Taren, whom he suspected he had developed somewhat of an attraction for.

Within twenty minutes of leaving the outskirts of High Oak, they headed North and were consumed by the thick grasslands that led to Calderash Wood.

Taking no chances, Tomlin had elected to go off of the beaten track in favour of a slightly slower, though far less frequented trail. Given the importance of what Asben had told him, the very last thing they needed was to be recognised and for that information to get back to Kovak, for if it was true that the black hearted monster had returned, then it stood to reason that he would want vengeance against those responsible for his execution.

Over the course of the following hour the horses negotiated the steady slopes of Calderash without any difficulty and as the edge of the forest came into view so did the far more mountainous trail that would take them over the back of Gunner’s Point and on to Malmouth some two thousand feet below.

*****

So what’s your trade? Taren asked Asben who was now slightly more alert.

I’m a Blacksmith, though I would be lying if I said that my heart was truly in it. Asben replied. "Still it always pays