The Alistar's Hearts: The Two-Hearts Trilogy, #1

By Danielle Kozinski

Kaamil is a Two-Hearts, the fabrication of a scientist that transfers the heart of a dead mage into the body of a child to create an entirely new person. He was made to fight for the scientist, a man simply known as the Creator, in his war against the ruling powers. But he is also an Alistar, an individual selected by the gods to fix a problem mankind cannot fix on its own.

After only a few years spent fighting in the Creator’s service, Kaamil is left for dead in the middle of a huge battle.  A stranger finds him and hides him in the wreckage of a fallen plane to await the battle’s conclusion. The stranger does not stay, but a man who is more attached to Kaamil than believably possible helps him to a sanctuary.

He spends years there learning of two very different worlds, his magic, and everything that he is; a Two-Hearts and an Alistar. Until, one day, his past catches up with him and a group of soldiers from the Creator’s army find their way into the sanctuary. They are just the beginning, however. The time has come for him to begin his duties as Alistar of the Aoine Eingnei.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Danielle Kozinski
• Release date: Nov 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9780998244051

Book preview

Prologue

November 8th, 2234, Saturday

––––––––

At first, I could only hear what was around me: the cries of agony, the storm raging around me, the earth rupturing, and a million gunshots. I faded into nightmares of the same, only to reawaken to see the horror I heard. My entire body throbbed, my head worse of all. I wished for relief, but it didn’t come.

The third time I awoke I held a stronger awareness of what was around me and knew I had to move. My limbs wouldn’t obey, though, and I fell back into unconsciousness.

I awoke again to someone picking me up. My headache worsened as blood rushed away then back to my head as I was slung upside down. The pain made everything vague and the sounds made it all worse. I only registered when the pain worsened, like when my head hit something hard, when my arm was tugged, and when something sharp scraped against my back. I resided in this in-between before falling under again to a noise different from everything else.

I finally awoke with a clear head, the battlefield around me distinctly visible from where I leaned against a fighter plane’s wreck. It took me minutes to remember how to move my body, then I crawled out. I didn’t remember how I got to be under that plane, or the finished battle around me. I remembered the noises, but not when or why they happened. I was able to climb to my feet, but it took me a few more minutes before I felt comfortable to walk. I looked around, wondering where I should go. The battlefield went for miles, a forest to my left the only sign of life.

I stumbled towards the forest, tripping over the dead and uneven earth. I tried to avoid the animals that feasted on the death, but I found myself blacking out and random times, only to awake when some creature attacked me. I swiped at them until they realized I was still living.

In the middle of falling unconscious, I tripped on a severed arm, falling down a slope. I landed next to a man with a half-eaten face, the fright bringing me back to full consciousness. I dragged myself partially up the slope the stared at the sky. A ray of sunlight broke through the clouds and I followed it to where it landed on the corpses, causing a small pendant necklace to twinkle amidst the blood and dirt. I crawled back down, moving the tattered layers of clothing until I found a wooden butterfly with a single crystal. I became entranced in the intricate carving, lost in the sweet spot of unconsciousness where I was unaware of the dead man I sat next to but hadn’t been pulled into my nightmares.

Kaamil? The voice woke me from the delirium and I looked around. A blonde man stood on the other side of the corpse, looking down at me. Kaamil? He asked again. I looked around then back at him then tried to punch him. He dodged, so I scrambled to my feet only to topple from the blood rush. The stranger did nothing.

I’m not here to hurt you, he said. I’m here to help.

I stood again, this time able to stay up. Who are you? I demanded. I tried to hide the pain, but any rush of strength had vanished.

My name is Djimon.

I don’t know you.

You wouldn’t, but I know you.

How can you know me if I don’t know you?

You don’t remember me.

I shook my head. I...don’t remember anything. I dropped and grabbed the butterfly necklace, unclasping it from the dead man’s neck. I stood and walked to the forest, still a distance away.

Kaamil, be careful, Djimon called, following. I stumbled over the rocks strewn across the ground but was able to stay on my feet.

I don’t know who I am, I said.

I know. That doesn’t mean I can’t help. Djimon jogged until he was beside me.

It doesn’t me I should trust you.

I don’t want to harm you. Djimon jumped in front of me and I stumbled around him, tripping over something I didn’t see and landing on my back. He knelt, his head blocking my view of the sky. He had a faint translucency, but I thought the barely-there sun was playing a trick.

I can’t remember anything, I said. What can’t I remember? It’s frightening me.

Come, let’s get you away from here. Djimon helped me stand.

Where, though? I have nowhere to go.

I know of a haven. You will be safe there.

Djimon gestured to the forest and I began my stumbling walk. He followed just behind me, his arm always in the ready to catch me if I fall. I held tightly to the butterfly, the sharp edges that dug into my palm keeping me from losing consciousness. I fell into a zone where I was unaware of the time passing, of the ground beneath my feet, or the rain beginning to wash the blood from my face. I was always aware of Djimon and the pain in my body and sometimes I looked around for someone else because I felt their presence, but I never did find anyone. I collapsed outside the forest, unable to continue on my own. A deer nudged me."

Time to get up, Kaamil, Djimon said, helping me onto the deer’s back. There, now you can sleep. The world faded once again, this time into a state of oblivion occasionally broken by a fresh earthen smell, a bird’s tweet, and the giggles of a child.

A stuttering consciousness returned, allowing in fragments words from strangers. I occasionally recognized Djimon’s voice.

...alright. He has numerous cuts and...

Don’t worry, Master Djimon...

...High Master Kedlihn...

...resting. We will inform him of the lad’s arrival when he wakes...

Good...

I rolled my head and saw the light of a hazy candle. I returned to a deep sleep, tormented once again, then woke to pain stinging sections of my skin. Something sharp bit my arm and cold flooded my limbs, returning me to the painless and frightening sleep. Voices often woke me again, though.

...scars. It’s a disgrace to treat a boy his age thus...

...you have seen scars before...

... a lad. This is no way to treat...

...Zarek, enough. You’ll make yourself sick... slowly, the voices ebbed away.

Every time I went asleep after that, a faint sense of reality fell over my dreams, suggested a truth to what I saw that I didn’t want to believe. Whenever I had a few seconds awake, I wondered if what I saw was my past returning to me. It would make sense, I guessed, considering the battlefield I had awoken in.

I awoke after a long dream I couldn’t make sense of. Rays of moonlight broke through the darkness of the room I slept in, highlighting a couple in a corner, a faint candle flame in-between them. A soft breeze blew through the open windows, helping to cool my fever; a strange scent wafted around me, giving me a sense of calm; an intermittent rush of fluid in my arm calmed the pain. I shifted, though, and the pain roared back to life, causing me to groan. The floorboards creaked as the couple approached. A man placed his cool hand to my forehead while the other person fiddled with something beside my bed.

The fever has calmed, but whatever plagues his sleep makes him toss about and tear his stitches. The second individual was a woman, based on the voice.

Djimon said he has amnesia. It’s possible his memories are returning in his dreams. It would help if Zarek spoke of what he dreams, but he won’t, the man said.

What else does Djimon say?

That Zarek is sharing dreams, but he doesn’t want to talk about it. The man brushed away my sweaty hair then kissed my forehead. A warm sensation calmed my headache and lulled me back to sleep.

One

––––––––

An earthy smell filled the warm air around me. When I opened my eyes, I found sunlight illuminating a clean blue ceiling. I lifted myself onto my elbows, only feeling a twinge from the stitches still in my arms. Looking around, I found bends lined up on either side of me, some with occupants. People milled about, checking on the patients and collecting items. One tall female walked to the table beside me, smiling at me as she changed an empty bag with one filled with a clear substance. I laid down as she walked away, feeling a burst of cold flow through my veins again, fueling any remnant pain.

Oh! And then we can explore the forest! Pigeon wanted to find some wild mushrooms and berries, anyway, so we can go with him! A boy said. I looked and saw a nine-year-old and Djimon walk through the room. Djimon was smiling as the boy bounced around randomly. Oh, and, and, and...oh! Kaamil’s ‘wake! Mornin’! The boy went to jump onto my bed but Djimon caught him.

Gentle, Zarek. We don’t want to hurt him.

Oh, right. Sorry. Zarek climbed onto the foot of my bed and sat cross-legged. I sat up as Djimon walked to the side of me.

How are you feeling? He asked.

Fine. Better. Where am I? I asked.

You’re in an Academy I attended when young and have occasionally taught at. This is Zarek. He’s my...ward. I brought him here to attend shortly before I brought you here.

Zarek leaned forward and offered his hand which was hidden inside his extra-long sleeve. I shook it and he sat back.

You said you couldn’t remember anything when we met. Do you remember anything now? Djimon asked.

I shook my head. Not really. I faintly recall certain things about my past, but I still don’t know you. Or why I was on that battlefield.

Djimon brushed at my hair. You received multiple lacerations, some on your head. It is possible you will never remember, but our finest healer examined you and we think you will make a full physical and mental recovery...from the physical damage. There is other damage that you can’t remember if you suffered.

T’e brain’s a tricky bit, Zarek added.

Exactly.

Okay. How long have I been here? I asked.

Only a week. In a couple of days, we will move you to your own room since you are healing at a remarkable rate. When you are better, able to move around, you will meet the headmaster, Djimon said.

Okay...what happens when I’m better? This isn’t my home.

Do you remember where your home is?

I shook my head.

Kaamil, this place is a haven for those who need it as well as an academy. You will be welcome here for as long as you live, just expect to help around when you are better. Kedlihn will never kick you out. No one here will make you leave.

I nodded.

I came to check up on you before going to check up on the room we’re preparing. Do you want me to stay or do you want to try sleeping again? I heard you are having nightmares?

They come and go. Someone did something the last time I woke up and I slept without dreams for once, but I don’t know if it will happen again. I’m feeling a little restless, though. Do you think I can get up and move around? I asked.

I’ll ask. Zarek, if you start feeling antsy, get up. Djimon walked to one of the nurses. I looked at Zarek.

Hi, he said with an ear-to-ear, closed mouth smile.

How long have you been here?

Jus’ a day lon’er ‘han you. Djimon left shortly after he ‘ropped me off ‘cause Raiden told him he needed to go sout’ for ‘couple of hours.

Raiden?

A god...

Djimon walked back, laying a hand on Zarek’s shoulder. Slow down. He just woke up. Let’s not fill him with too much information just yet. Djimon looked at me. An apprentice is going to find Anali, the healer who has been taking care of you. After she examines you, we might be able to take a stroll. I do need to go check on the room. Do you want me to take Zarek?

No, it’s alright. He will pass the time, I said.

Very well. Zarek, if he looks overwhelmed, stop talking. Djimon walked away.

So... Zarek tapped the cover scrunched up in front of him. Back to original conversation or complete nonsense?

Uh...god. God, god, god. I considered the word.

A great big powerful being who can crush us with a thought. Though will probably just use magic.

Magic...everything you say is making about an ounce of sense...but at the same time, I don’t really register what some of the words mean, I said.

Aww. Magic is in’redible. You’re missin’ out, Zarek said.

Can you do magic?

No. I wish I could.

Oh...Djimon said healer. I...that word sounds right, but it’s kind of confusing for some reason.

That’s prolly ‘cause you aren’t used to it. You might’ve grown up with the word d’ct’r.

I’m...sorry?

Doctor.

Oh. Yeah, that sounds more normal. I looked around and found the butterfly pendant clean and on a fresh chain on the nightstand next to me. I picked it up.

You were clutchin’ that tightly when Djimon brought you here. It took ‘em forever to make you le’go.

I picked it up. I don’t know why. I just found it.

Maybe yer ‘ubconscious remembers w’at ‘appened and it told you to?

Maybe. I returned the pendant back to the nightstand and looked at Zarek. Every time I looked at you, you strike me as more and more familiar.

We’ve never met. Shizel Butts said I have memorable eyes, though.

I looked to the door as it opened and saw a homely looking woman.

That’s Miss Anali, Zarek said. I looked back at him and jerked as I was suddenly drowning in the ocean, pain piercing my stomach. I gasped, grabbing at the blankets covering me. Zarek had lunged forward and Anali had rushed to me side.

What happened? I asked. What happened?

I don’t know. You stiffened and your eyes changed pattern. Did you see something?

Uh...water. And it hurt...here. I pulled at my shirt and found a round scar where the pain had been. I...what happened?

Ooh...you’ve got magic, Zarek said with a forced smile.

What’s that look about? I asked.

Wha’da’ya mean? You’ve got magic! That’s cool! Zarek’s smile became more realistic and excitement lit his eyes. Anali looked at Zarek.

Go find Djimon, she said.

But...

Go find Djimon.

Aww. Zarek climbed off the bed then walked out.

Anali returned to me. I was told you want to get up.

I’m feeling a little restless. I said.

Well, you are healing quickly. I will check the wounds on your leg then we will see if a little exercise will do you good.

*.*.*.*

My days were a mixture of rest and walking around the room. Zarek and Djimon would come to visit, though we never talked about anything relevant to what was going on around us. Zarek told me stories that had been created years ago, or Djimon would read to me from books while Zarek hummed along. They helped me with the basic recollections, like how to read and what certain words meant. Everything like that generally clicked, especially after they explained it. The fact that a group of gods existed, watching over us and helping us along whenever we screwed up too much was what really confused me. Djimon explained that, based on what he knew of me, I never heard of his religion before. It would take reading and talking about them, or to them apparently. Over a week later, I passed out on the way to my new room and didn’t wake up from the fragmented dreams for days.

I awoke after a length of nothing, lying on a large bed covered in sunlight. I sat up and looked around, noting the fireplace and the short little library before registering the opening door. A puppy ran through, followed by Zarek then two women and a man I didn’t know. Djimon was the last to enter since he held the door. Djimon followed Zarek and the dog to the library, careful to avoid their chase around the coffee table and chairs. The two women separated, one going to the fireplace with a basket of wood, the other to the door on the left of my bed with a basket of soaps. The stranger carried a large plate with a pitcher and glass to the right side of the bed, closest to me. He set it on my nightstand and poured a glass, offering it to me. I accepted it and drained it in an instant once I realized it was water.

How are you feeling? He asked.

I wiped my mouth and handed him the glass. Fine. How long have I been out?

Four days. It is the Twenty-eight of November today. I am Darin, the High Master’s steward.

I gestured to Djimon and Zarek. We haven’t gone over that word.

I help file the paperwork, sign the bills to pay for the materials. I help keep everyone working as they should because the High Master can’t do everything alone, Darin said

So you’re an assistant.

Yes.

Then why are you here now?

If you are feeling up to it, the High Master has time to meet you today.

I feel fine. But I felt fine four days ago and I passed out, I said.

We have a healer coming to check on you, to be certain. Do you have an idea as you why you passed out?

Um...I remember bumping into someone, which caused me to bump into Djimon. That’s when I passed out. I rubbed at my neck, trying to remember, and fell a necklace chain. I pulled the pendant from beneath my shirt and found the butterfly. I let it drop back to my chest.

Darin glanced at Djimon. I was told you saw something weird when you first met Zarek. Did something like that happen again?

It might have, but I can’t remember. It has happened again since Zarek, though. I would look at someone then everything would change. It would be a quick change, but I registered it. Zarek thinks I have magic.

It’s entirely possible. Have you seen anything that suggests these people are just activating your memories?

No, that’s not it. I can’t explain how I know, I just do. Whatever I see has nothing to do with me.

Well, the High Master has magic that manipulates shadows, but he also has slight mental abilities. He might be able to explain what is happening. Now you are almost fully healed, no stitches left in your body. Some wounds will still cause you a small amount of discomfort, but the healer is bringing some pain medication for that. It’s time for a true bath, though. We have shower options, but to be safe we are using a bath in case you become weak and possibly slip. Can you stand?

I dropped my legs over the side of the bed and stood. Darin held his arms in ready as I swayed. I’m good.

There was a knock on the still open door. A tall, dark man with white tattoos stared in the doorway.

Ileran, come in, Darin said.

Ileran walked over to us, dropping his satchel at the foot of my bed.

Kaamil, this is Ileran, the healer I was talking about. Once you have finished bathing, he will administer some salves and help you look presentable, Darin said. If you need it, he will also help you bathe.

Ileran bowed his head.

I think I’m good, thank you, I said. At that moment, the woman who had stepped through the door on the other side of my bed exited, carrying a pile of clothes. She walked around and game them to Darin before curtsying and walking out with the woman who lit the fire. Darin gave the clothes to me.

We don’t have many people from your world, so for now here is a tunic and trousers, Darin said.

My world? I asked, accepting the clothes.

You weren’t told about the parallel worlds? Darin asked, looking to Djimon.

We decided to help Kaamil become more comfortable around ourselves and with himself first, Djimon said. As you saw with the term steward, there are certain words he needed a reminder about. When we started explaining about this place, we started with the gods, not realizing he didn’t have a single idea of what religion was.

Yeah. We decided to begin with Wookies, Zarek said.

As far as I recall, you actually began with elves, I said.

Oh! You’re right. I still haven’t found that book.

We do have many expansive libraries, Djimon said.

I know. I would’ve thought you’d catalog better.

You should look at our catalogs before you criticize them.

Shizel Butts. I refuse to read alphabetically.

I returned my attention to Darin, feeling any conversation he made would make more sense than the one Zarek and Djimon held.

Are there any questions you have before I go back about my task for the day? Darin asked.

Not right now, I said.

Then I will go. Food will be brought in half an hour; the High Master is expecting you to come by his office but not at any particular time. Djimon will show you where to go.

I nodded. Darin left, Ileran went to Djimon, and I went to clean up.

When I got out of the bathroom, everyone sat at the table in the middle of the room. Djimon read a book, Zarek hummed one of his random tunes, and Ileran pulled vials from the bag he had brought. I sat in the last chair and Ileran knelt in front of me.

Your tattoos are cool, I said.

Ileran rolled up my pant leg, exposing a still red scar that he applied salve to. It’s a trait my race has.

Trait? But their tattoos. I would have classified it as characteristic over trait.

Tattoo is the loose definition. These are birth marks. When we are born, white lines cover our skin and overtime they change into shapes that reflect our past, present, and future. Ileran rolled down my pant leg and lifted my shirt to apply salve to a bullet wound on my side. I watched his arms and noticed a straight white line twist in his skin, forming into a sword.

Cool.

Ileran walked behind me and combed through my hair before applying salve to a scar on my head. There, all finished. If you drink this, it will help keep most of the pain at bay for the entire day, especially if you accidentally run into something.

I took the drink he offered and downed it as quick as possible since it tasted nasty.

How do you feel overall? Did you become disoriented or anything while you were bathing?

No. I feel fine. The weird pictures I see a lot haven’t bothered me today, but I don’t know what will happen once I’m surrounded by people.

Ileran nodded. Hmm. Master Kedlihn will be able to discover why you are seeing those images. I can’t, not with my ability to heal and calm pain. I will join you in your walk to visit Master Kedlihn, though. I can help if any weak spells overcome you.

Anything medical you can help with.

Correct.

A teenaged boy walked in then, carrying a tray of food which he placed in front of me.

Thank you, Ileran said.

The boy turned to Zarek. Pigeon told me to tell you to help with dinner, so show up in the kitchen around six.

Zarek leaned forward. Ooh! Will I get to help with’ desert too?

He said no.

Aww.

The boy left and I began eating, slapping Zarek’s hand away when he tried to take my food.

Two

Time to meet the High Master of this Academy.

––––––––

After Zarek accepted the fact I wouldn’t share my food with him, he decided to bring entertainment to my breakfast. He grabbed one of the chicken legs I didn’t want and climbed onto the table, telling the tale of a swashbuckling pirate on the verge of insanity. When I finished eating and Zarek finished part one of his story, we got up to visit the High Master of the Academy, Kedlihn.

With Ileran following directly behind me, Djimon led us down an indoor balcony I had passed out before reaching the last time. We stepped down a wide staircase and reached the main hall where students and workers walked through to reach different parts of the academy. Ileran paused there to speak with one of the passing students and Djimon led Zarek and I down a short staircase into a velvety green hallway. We followed the natural curve until we reached a doorway at the end.

Here we are, Djimon said and knocked.

Come in, a man called so Djimon opened the door.

Upon entering, I saw a man with pale silver hair sitting behind a wooden desk. He looked up, pulling a pen from his mouth.

Kaamil, welcome. He stood and bowed his head then gestured to the two chairs on our side of the desk. Zarek and I sat while Djimon leaned on the back of Zarek’s chair. How are you feeling? The man asked.

Fine, I said.

Did you sleep peacefully? I heard you passed out.

I had dreams, some of which I remember. They weren’t exactly nice, but I had times without them.

I am working with Anali to create a new sleep aid that will hold back your dreams, but they might be your memories, the man said.

I don’t know if I want to remember, if they are my memories, I said.

I understand. I had dreams much the same when I was an Alistar. Djimon mentioned a few as well.

I looked at Djimon then back to the man. What’s an Alistar? I don’t know that word even remotely.

An Alistar is a Champion of the gods. When we, as a race, screws up so much we can’t fix it ourselves, the gods choose someone to bestow ultimate gifts upon that will help them in fixing everyone else’s mistakes, Djimon said.

Djimon and I were an Alistar long ago, so the extra power given to us has faded to our natural abilities.

Kedlihn was my guide, he taught me how to access my new abilities and what the gods requested of me.

Why are we focusing on Alistars so much? Zarek asked. I thought we were going to meet everyone then go find something to eat?

I just ate, I said.

So did I. Little before you, but still... my point being: so?

Zarek, it is just going on nine in the morning. Why don’t we wait for noon to have lunch? Kedlihn asked. For your first question, we are focusing on Alistars because there is a possibility Kaamil is one.

That is why I went to find you. Not only were you a child in trouble, but the gods believed you can fix all that is going on, Djimon said.

What all is going on? I asked.

There is a war going on between the two worlds, Kedlihn said.

Okay, the last bit I...remember, but not technically. Djimon and Zarek mentioned it when I first woke in the infirmary...yeah that’s the word I want. They said ‘my’ world, as if I came from somewhere else, but not as in a different country. They never got around to explaining that, I said.

Then let’s begin there. Djimon, can you grab the maps? Their behind you, in the top drawer of the...yes, that one, Kedlihn said. Djimon opened found two maps in a cabinet that’s top half covered books with glass doors and bottom half was built of drawers full of scrolls. Kedlihn gestured for the maps to be opened on the floor since his desk was too full of other paperwork. Kedlihn walked around his desk to kneel by the maps.

This is your world, though you can’t remember it, and Ilkeya is our world. They are parallel worlds, like alternate universes, Kedlihn explained.

But the land mass is completely different, I said.

Ilkeya has progressed at a slower rate and is on a different plane of existence from your world. The disasters that created all these new islands did not happen here.

How far are you progre’ed? Zarek asked.

Technology-wise, we are in Earth’s 21st century, where yours and Kaamil’s world was during that period. If you have seen the movies and documentaries created in that century, you would notice there are still differences, but we have that level in technology, Kedlihn said.

If we’re from the other world, how did we come to be here? I asked.

There are portals in certain, uninhabited parts of the world. If you have the will and the knowledge, you can easily pass between the worlds. I make certain every student here knows where these portals are, in case they need to pass through them or avoid them.

And what do you mean by a war between these worlds?

Individuals from both sides are fighting. A man from your world, incredibly talented in his chosen field, knows of Ilkeya and has been...

Djimon held his hand up to pause Kedlihn’s words. Kaamil, what do you think you are? Do you remember? He asked.

Human...but...not? Words pop into my head, while I’m asleep and awake. Two-Hearts keeps coming back, though. Is that a literal definition? Djimon nodded so I continued. If Two-Hearts is a literal definition, that means there are two hearts in one body. But why do I keep thinking of that word? I looked at my chest and pulled at the collar of my shirt, exposing a scar on my chest. "Are the two hearts added surgically? Am I one? I see this scar, but I don’t remember where it’s from, like most of my scars.