The Jewel of Nirel: Tunuftol, #3

By Ann Snizek

Krissa, after a year since returning to the sentient planet called Nyssa, wants to piece together her past and learn about the parents she lost. When the fading remnants of the old faction steal the powerful jewel of Nirel and attack Tunuftol, more prophecies abound and Krissa sets out once again to fight for her home and the family she holds so dear and faces a reunion she never expected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ann Snizek
• Release date: Jul 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781386408499

Ann Snizek

Originally from Vermont, Ann now lives in Virginia with her husband. She spent much of her childhood moving from place to place. Now settled, she enjoys homesteading and pursuing her dreams of sharing her imagination through writing and graphic art. Ann's love of books from childhood continues today - always searching for new ways to stimulate the imagination. She knows the struggles of adversities as well as the thrill of triumphing over them. Pulling from vast and various life experiences, both her own and those observed, for inspiration, Ann strives to learn, grow, and share. She loves hearing from her readers through social media or emails. Feel free to contact her through her site.

Book preview

DEDICATION

To my husband – You are always there for me when I need you. You make me laugh. You make me think. You dry my tears and hold me tight. Life happens around us all the time, but together we can make it. I love you.

1: SPRING THAW

Krissa stepped out into the rooftop garden. The early morning sunshine poured over the first sprouts and hints of flowers. After a grueling winter, Krissa both reveled in and dreaded the onset of warmer weather. The war that started last year would continue with the weather clear enough for travel.

She managed to close the gateway out of Tunuftol in time, but they had all gotten a taste of the destruction Tunuftol had to protect against last fall. Hume and Marc had shown themselves to be as caustic as their fathers, Count Zayd Rankin and Duke Tomás Hillard.

With eight months of growth, her hair fell wildly wherever it felt like. Krissa brushed a particularly irritating clump from her face as she sat on a bench. Early mornings seemed to be the best time to enjoy the peace of her surroundings. Since the weather improved, Pin and Khevin had invited her and Micah to stay at the Fortress with their other friends once more. It made preparations for leaving easier, but she already missed her quiet, little home with Grandma Athey... even though it was only about fifteen minutes away.

I thought I’d find you here, Magryta, the handsome young king said as he approached her.

Krissa loved it when Khevin used this name. She had so many names, but the meaning behind it, and the way he said it, made her smile every time. She moved over to make room for him to sit beside her. Do you think today we’ll get the go ahead? Nester has been chomping at the bit, she grinned at her choice of words. Nester always happier to be roaming the countryside, especially when he had his horses with him.

Khevin smiled too. He sat beside Krissa and looked off to the horizon before answering. Probably. He looked over at Krissa with his crystal blue eyes. The iris swirled slowly and mysteriously.

Krissa was one of the few people that ever saw them swirl. It had to do with the power the young man possessed. He allowed her to see the real him.

Pin is upset that she can’t go with us, but dad agrees with me... and Micah’s prophecy. Her therapy has done wonders, and she can walk again, thankfully. Even if it is limited, but I don’t think she is up to a long trip on horseback and sleeping on hard ground.

I’d have to agree. That hasn’t stopped her from talking about it though, Krissa added with a giggle. Maintaining her normal, bubbly, and talkative personality Pin, refused to be deterred, despite the fact that she’d been crushed when her horse collapsed eight months ago and been confined to a wheelchair for some time.

I don’t think there’s a whole lot that can stop her from talking, Khevin replied. I need to get back to my study though, if we do head out soon, I will have to finish putting some things in order with my regent. Are you coming down for breakfast with us today?

I’ll be there, she answered. I want to enjoy the quietness a bit longer.

Khevin nodded and stood. He reached over and moved her hair out of her eyes with a smile, then left the rooftop. Khevin wasn’t usually big on talking. He preferred to observe people and use his words carefully. At fifteen, and ruling for almost a full year, he took his responsibilities seriously. The people loved him, and everyone was extremely proud of all he had been able to do in reclaiming Tunuftol from Count Rankin’s coup.

Sighing heavily, Krissa’s mind wandered over everything that had happened over the past year. It went so quickly, yet seemed so long ago. She finally got up and made her way slowly down to the dining hall.

Hey, beautiful, another young man said to Krissa as he entered the hallway from the palace gym. You going to breakfast already? Krissa nodded. He grinned impishly at her and finished pulling his shirt on over his athletic frame. Mind if I walk with you for a bit?

Not at all, Sealey, she answered. You ready for battle?

Always. I’m even starting to get the hang of this power I have now. Who would have thought that I would get an active power like this? All it took was nearly dying and being healed by a god. The King of gods, to be exact. Khevin sure pumped me full of energy, didn’t he? Sealey said, smiling down at her.

I don’t think he intended on giving you a new name though, Krissa said with a grin.

Probably not, but I’m not going to complain, Sealey shrugged. Have you seen Ruuna yet?

No, but I did look in the mirror. So, I almost saw her, Krissa joked. Ruuna was Krissa’s cousin and the two girls looked as if they were twins. Their moms were identical twins themselves, and the girls both looked like their moms. The biggest difference being that Krissa had radiant green eyes and Ruuna had smoldering brown eyes. Ruuna was also eighteen months younger.

Sealey chuckled. Well, I gotta go find Lonnie and Nester before we eat. I’ll see you in a few. I shouldn’t be late.

I can’t imagine you being late for a meal any more than Daisy Mae, Krissa called after her friend.

The beagle always knew, before others, when meal time was... with Micah only a step behind her. As inseparable as Micah and Daisy Mae had been before, Micah’s becoming immortal drew them even closer together.

A tall, slender, young man reached the dining hall door just before Krissa did and he held the door for her. He had long straight brown hair that fell to the middle of his back. Slightly on the shorter side for an elf, he certainly looked and acted the part, even though he was only half elf.

Good morning, Lady Alverna, he greeted Krissa.

Good morning, Gilroy, she responded to her name that the elves typically used. How is your lady mother this morning?

She is well, thank you. I shall tell her you asked, he nodded graciously. I hope lady Athey is well.

She is, Krissa replied. She hopes to visit your mother this next week.

Gilroy hesitated a moment before replying. My lady mother is most pleased with the prospects of being visited by lady Athey. All elves were telepathic and most with even a drop of elven blood shared this trait.

Gilroy pulled a chair out for Krissa at the table and took a seat opposite her. He was a rather attractive man. At just over twenty, he held a much-respected and highly coveted position as head of security within the palace. With a name meaning of: the king’s devotee, no one questioned his loyalties, and few questioned his abilities. Those that did soon found themselves looking up at him from the ground. He had even taught Sealey several things about combat.

Have you seen His Grace, this morning? He mentioned that he had been looking for you.

Yes. He had to speak to the Regent before breakfast, Krissa answered and sipped from the juice a maid had placed in front of her. Do you know if your sister will be eating with us also?

She will, he answered. Ruuna said that she would be stopping by to visit Her Highness, this morning and coming along with her.

Lonnie must be out with Nester and the horses then, Krissa said.

Gilroy nodded again. Lord Nester is exceedingly and rightly proud of his Damek. He is a fine colt, and a definite tribute to his late sire. It is a pleasure to see that Lord Nester created a new bonding with the colt also.

Krissa agreed. She found it interesting to talk with Gilroy. He wasn’t a conceded man, nor haughty, but his speech had a formal tone to it and she couldn’t get him to relax it like her other friends. He was after all, her cousin’s half-brother, and as far as Krissa was concerned, that made him family.

A small, mop-headed Micah entered with Daisy Mae by his side. He walked over and pulled out the seat next to his sister. It looked obvious that Micah hadn’t slept so well that night, or perhaps he hadn’t wakened up yet, Krissa thought. She reached over and ruffled his mop of hair.

Are you awake? she asked him. He just grunted. Krissa laughed softly and poured him some juice. He had grown some since they first returned to Tunuftol, and Krissa loved the fact that he didn’t look quite so frail and helpless anymore.

Daisy Mae thought it was important for us to be here for breakfast, he mumbled sleepily. He moodily looked at the beagle sitting at his feet. She simply thumped her tail on the floor and contentedly hung her tongue out in a canine smile.

The door opened again with Ruuna and Pin entered, laughing. Pin eagerly rolled over to Krissa. You won’t believe what we managed to get for Sealey’s birthday, she exclaimed happily.

It’s almost a month off still, Krissa said.

I know, but I vowed to never forget a birthday again, Pin dismissed the information with a wave of her hand. Anyway, I think he will love it, but I want you to see it after breakfast and tell me what you think of it too. Ruuna already told me her opinion. Krissa accepted the invitation in silence. Wonderful, have you thought about what you want to get him yet?

Not really, Krissa admitted.

Well, maybe I can help you come up with some ideas later. Pin spun around and rolled herself to her usual spot a couple seats down from where Gilroy sat. I can help wrap it too, if it’s small enough. Or, we can send it out to be wrapped for you. I already offered the same to Ruuna, and I can’t wait to help her shop.

I hate to dampen your mood, Pin, but I don’t think we will be here much longer. You better do that shopping soon, or you will have to shop without Ruuna, Khevin said as he entered the room followed by Sealey, Nester, and Lonnie.

I saved your seat for you, Lonnie, Pin said to the bulk of dark muscles that made Lonnie.

He smiled broadly and made his way over to her with Nester watching him closely. As he sat down, he turned towards Nester. Thank you, I’m fine now. I can find my way around the table easily enough. Lonnie’s blindness continued as did the visual projections from Nester and Krissa. His sight had started to return, but for some reason he could only see the faded shapes in extremely low light. So, he had turned partially nocturnal.

Where’s Alcina? Khevin asked.

As if on cue, the girl rushed in. Her long brown hair and a flowing renaissance style gown, traditional elfin dress, flowed behind her. Sorry, I’m late. I hope I didn’t hold anything up.

No, we just arrived as well, Nester told his sister.

Alcina stopped and took an exaggerated sigh of relief before sitting down. Several servants brought trays of food out and Sealey jumped in to help himself before the trays touched the table. Alcina reached over and smacked his hand.

I would have thought you would learn after ten months of getting smacked, she told him.

Just going for consistency, Sealey said with a grin.

Alcina laughed. Well, I’m not making your plate for you anymore.

Sealey tried to pretend that he was insulted that this was his goal, but it didn’t work... as usual.

After everyone ate, Khevin cleared his throat to get their attention. Pushing his chair back a little, he spoke calmly, We have received word that Marc and Hume’s forces are on the move. So, it’s time that we got started also. The pass in the mountains to Aiyetoro has cleared. The best guess for their next strike is at Tua. We will go through Amara and down the river to make up time. I’m hoping we can get there before they do. About forty thousand people live in Tua.

The people of Tua probably hope we get there first also, Sealey said. Too bad we haven’t got a faster form of transportation here. A nice big van would come in handy.

I rather like not having all of that mess to deal with, Pin said. It’s quieter and you get to enjoy the beauty more.

It’s nice that they don’t have that transportation either, Sir Kemp. Also, full armies move slower than just horse and rider, Gilroy spoke up.

Ruuna and Krissa share a quiet grin at the reference to Sealey. Ruuna had once called him by his last name and Sealey went into a spiel of archaic speech. Sealey grinned knowingly at both girls, but managed to say nothing.

Anyway, we will head out the day after tomorrow, in the morning. So, you have some time to do your shopping ladies, Khevin said with a smile at his sister.

Pin squealed with excitement and clapped her hands. There was a lot of talking that exploded over various preparations before the room emptied and everyone went on their separate ways. Pin and Lonnie waited for Krissa in the hallway.

OK, guess what we got for Sealey, Pin said as they headed for her apartment of rooms. Krissa didn’t have a clue and shrugged her shoulders. We talked to Gilroy to find out who the best elfin smith is and had a special sword made for Sealey. It will be able to channel his new power and target his electricity. Isn’t that amazing? Pin bounced in her chair.

Yes, it is, Krissa readily agreed. "He’s going to love that."

We thought so too, Pin said.

I had to do something special for him since he got me a supply of Treacherous Grape extract. It should last me several more months still, Lonnie said quietly.

They entered Pin’s chambers and Krissa’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the dim lighting. Pin kept it low to help Lonnie’s vision. I put it in the large chest yesterday. Can you pull it out Lonnie? Pin asked as she wheeled over to her walker and pulled herself up.

Lonnie confidently walked into the adjoining room and returned shortly with a sword in its scabbard. The scabbard was carved elegantly, and the detailed hilt had a gem set in the end. Lonnie slid the sword out and Krissa saw the heavy blade with etched details carved into the surface. It glistened, even in the dim light of the room.

It’s beautiful, Krissa said in a hushed voice.

I intend to bring it with us, since we aren’t sure if we will be back here in time, Lonnie told her.

That’s a good idea. Maybe I can find something along the way for him. It won’t be nearly so elegant, but I don’t really have any ideas yet, Krissa admitted.

Well, you and Ruuna and Alcina can come with us tomorrow to the market. You might see something there that catches your eye, Pin told her. She wasn’t about to take no for an answer, so Krissa agreed.

They visited for several hours before Krissa left to find Micah.

You have a nice visit with Pin and Lonnie? Micah asked Krissa as she entered her favorite study.

Yes, I did, and I’ve been looking all over for you, Krissa answered.

I know, but you always come here eventually. So, I thought I’d wait for you, he replied.

Krissa dropped down on the sofa next to the windows and tossed a pillow at her little brother. Are you ready for another adventure?

"Life is an adventure, Micah said. Isn’t that how the saying goes? Krissa nodded. Yeah, I’m ready... as I’ll ever be. This is going to be a long one. Gilroy wants to come along with us."

Is that allowed?

Micah laughed. Yes, it’s allowed. I told you that we will meet people along the way that will have to decide if they want to go with us or stay.

I remember, Krissa said. ‘Others may be met along the way; It happens as a part of life; The choice is theirs to go or stay; And yours to avoid unneeded strife’, she quoted part of the prophecy.

The other prophecies that are older say that we will have some join us throughout, and our number will fluctuate. Not everyone will make it through this time either, Micah said despondently.

We will deal with that when it gets her, Micah. You can’t worry over that all the time. It’s not like you to be miserable. Can you tell me about what’s bothering you? Krissa tried to comfort him.

He looked up at her, but his expression had gone blank, his eyes began to glow, and his voice had an echo. "You will not make it to the Outdoors. Although this will be a great loss, it cannot be avoided. You will meet ones from afar that can change the course of the war. Call upon your strength Wild One, and trust the shield of your heart. They will lead you to where you can find the ones you need to meet.

"Nadzia is not to be trusted or underestimated, but can provide assistance. Send the Wolf... he will know how to find her, but keep your other males from being seen. The Wolf has the strength, as does the Strong, to withstand her charms, but no others do.

One will join your long journey that will not make it back home. It must be so for other events to unfold. Do not be distraught over it. Nothing that can be done to change this.

Micah’s eyes faded back to normal. His face scrunched up in a forced smile that looked more like a grimace. I’ve been doing that a lot lately, Micah said, his voice back to normal.

Has anyone else heard any of it? Krissa asked.

Micah nodded. There is always someone that I’m talking to. It’s just weird, and I feel tired afterwards.

It is weird. I wonder if there’s anything we can do about the fatigue? Krissa said half to herself.

Alcina has been working on something for me. She’s getting closer. She will have it right by the end of the day. So, I will have it in time to go.

Couldn’t you just save time and tell her what to do?

No.

OK, well... do you have everything ready to go?

I think so. Nester helped me pack yesterday. I think he got everything.

Probably. The sister and brother visited together in the study until Daisy Mae bayed for lunch.

After lunch, Krissa did her exercise routine then wandered the grounds to collect her thoughts. She learned that the city of Tua meant outdoors. So, it was safe to say that everyone’s hopes of making it there in time wouldn’t happen. She struggled with a lot of the other things Micah had said in his prophet trance, as she called it. What was the shield of her heart, and who was she supposed to meet?

Nadzia was obviously a person of some sort, but one that obviously wasn’t safe for most of the guys to be around. Khevin and Sealey would be the only ones that could handle her. That made Krissa think that Nadzia must be mystical of some type. Khevin would obviously be able to deal with her, but Sealey? Perhaps his new powers would be of some assistance. How did all of this help them get the Jewel of Nirel back?

The large emerald colored stone had been stolen from the Aiyetoro people last year by Marc and Hume and they were using it to destroy everything that stood in their way. They seemed as demented as their fathers. It was rumored that they were the ones that killed Duke Tomás, Marc’s father. They claimed to want some sort of revenge for their fathers’ murders, but the feeling was more that they just wanted to start another war.

2: TIDBITS

The next day’s shopping trip was a success. Krissa found a nicely balanced belt knife, with the help of Master Leyland, a guard of Lord Naren, who accompanied them to the market for protection.

She made a point of telling Khevin about Micah’s message to her that evening. He wrote some notes about it in a journal and thanked her.

He’s right, you know, Krissa, Khevin said to her from the edge of his desk where he sat in front of her. She was able to look straight into his eyes from that height, and he held both of her hands while he spoke. She still had butterflies ravage her insides whenever he touched her. War is nasty business, and unfortunately deaths are a part of it. I wish we didn’t have them, but we can’t just sit back and allow people like Marc and Hume to kill without at least trying to stop them.

I know, Krissa said softly and shifted the topic off death. Do you know who Nadzia is?

A water nymph, he said casually. She has an unpleasant habit of capturing men and turning them into slaves.

That doesn’t sound so different than some women I know of, Krissa said in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Then she feeds them to her pet sharks, Khevin added with a grimace.

Ouch.

Khevin chuckled. "Yes, that would be an ‘ouch’. He examined her with his deep, swirling eyes. Will you be alright?" He gently pushed hair back from her cheek and touched her face.

I’m sure I will, but I don’t have to like it, she complained.

I’d worry if you did like it, he replied. He stood and held out an arm to her. She linked her arm in his and he covered her hand with his as they walked out of the room together.

That night Krissa slept fitfully. She awoke and decided to go for a walk. Maybe the fresh air would help her. The hallways were all dark and she struggled along until she decided she’d had enough. Shimmering in the darkness, Krissa transformed into a large, black jaguar. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness instantly, and she padded along through the corridors in silence.

She easily avoided scaring the guards, since she could smell which were the new ones and circumvent them. Most of the guards already knew of and became accustom to her nightly prowls.

She made her way out to the ground-level gardens and slowed her pace to enjoy the crisp night air. It was late January, and in Tunuftol the seasons were about two months earlier than the other side of the gate, on Earth. It took some getting used to the inter-dimensional realm of existence... or whatever Micah called it. Anyway, the weather felt like early spring.

Once she cleared the building, she stretched her muscles and let out an enormous yawn from the massive mouth full of razor sharp teeth. The guard that stood at the door she had come through became slightly nervous, Krissa could smell and hear the difference in him. She laughed silently and jogged off. Running around the palace grounds for about an hour, she was able to burn off some tension. So, she returned to her room to try and sleep again. It worked.

THE NEXT MORNING, EVERYONE ate a quiet breakfast then headed to the