A Time of Ice and Ash

By Maile Rudebusch

What would you do if you were taken so far back in time that you couldn't even contact your own? That is exactly what Sky Harrison needs to discover. After her boyfriend Will gives her a locket, with a clock that only ticks when she's in danger, a mysterious boy named Avai rescues them.

Avai is so far from anyone that Sky has ever seen in her California town, he wears medieval clothing and takes them back to a time of kings and haunting creatures. As the last of a bloodline Sky is forced to have the burden that only she can carry, the key to reaching the Dark King. As Will slowly slips away from her and into the darkness, she turns to Avai. He has his own secrets and a terrible past haunting him as well.

Sky is hunted ferociously through barren landscapes and burned castles, even in her dreams. It is only when Sky begins to accept her desteny that she can find the strength to save not only Will; but the past, present and her future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maile Rudebusch
• Release date: May 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386015505

Maile Rudebusch

Maile Rudebusch grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona. Spending much of her time scribbling down bits to novels she wanted to write. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in journalism. 

Book preview

Chapter One

The room was dark and warm. Sky was wavering in that place somewhere between dreaming and consciousness. She was swimming through foggy water with a surface that was covered with lily pads and blossoming flowers. Her body felt too heavy. She started sinking and her groggy mind desperately tried to wake up. Her limbs felt like stone, and she slipped under the surface. When she was a child she used to love floating just beneath the surface in her pool, extending her fingers up to touch the wavering and shimmering silver. She always imagined that it was a portal to somewhere magical, and if she could only reach through it she would be transported.

Sky, a voice said, Sky, honey, we’re leaving now.

She mumbled something that she hoped sounded like ‘goodbye’ and rolled over, slipping back into the water and deeper down into sleep.

Sky finally got out of bed around one and threw open the heavy curtains on her glass door, pushing the door open and moving out onto the small porch. She breathed deeply, inhaling the salty ocean air. The sprawling estate was covered in a three-foot blanket of fog. She could barely make out the pool, which was down the stone steps in her backyard, bordering the ocean cliffs. The lawn had been freshly cut. Her father always mowed it whenever he left for an extended period of time. It was something about the grass, like it would grow uneven if he didn’t. Sky slumped down onto the little stone bench in the corner and pressed her back up against the wall. This morning was different, and Sky felt uneasy. She didn’t like being alone in the huge house. It always felt so cold.

Her cell phone rang loudly in the other room. She sighed and heaved herself up, running to answer it before whoever it was hung up. On the screen a picture of Will popped up, him with his dopey grin and floppy chestnut hair. Will was her other half, her best friend, boyfriend and designated advice giver. Will moved here over a year ago from London, and he and Sky had been together ever since. She had come to realize that there was no situation to bad that Will couldn’t work out.

Are you just waking up? Will asked, chuckling when she answered the phone.

Catching up on sleep, she yawned., moving back out to the porch. Not everyone gets up at the crack of dawn like you.

Do you think you’ll be ready soon? I wanted to stop by, maybe have some dinner before the party, he said cheerfully.

Only if you promise to cook, she joked.

Consider it done.

You’re pretty much amazing—you know that, right?

Sometimes, but I don’t let it get to my head.

Clearly, she said, her finger running along her wall. You should keep it that way.

I’ll see you soon, gorgeous, he said and hung up.

As Sky set her phone down, gripping her balcony and looking back towards the ocean. She couldn’t shake the feeling, which was muddled between dread and desire. Why had her dream been so lucid? It hadn’t even really felt much like a dream, more like a memory.

You haven’t even been alone for a day, Sky muttered to herself.

She checked her phone quickly. Will wouldn’t be at the house for at least an hour. Sky grabbed her bikini from where she’d tossed it on the floor earlier. As she passed her mirror she could see the black bags standing out from her normally olive complexion. The open air and water would do her good.

She never wore shoes in the yard, as she ran down the grassy lawn she felt the cool dew tickle her feet. In a graceful attempt, Sky dove into the water. After a few laps she floated on her back, eyes watching the lazy clouds drift across the sunlight. The lily pond had been soothing; there had been something that felt so final about it. Her mind drifted back to reality, the year was flying by. Christmas had been a blur and next month college letters should be arriving in the mail. Sky was anxious, not only because she didn’t know what would come next, but also because she hoped that hers and Will’s plans came to happen. Was there really anyone who understood her more than he did?

Her eyes closed as the sun shone brightly, and her mind wandered back to the foggy pond. She felt herself slipping back beneath the surface. Deeper then she had gone in the dream, her body crashed down on the reed-covered floor. A shadow crossed across her vision and she sank, startled. Sky managed to keep her head above the surface as she floundered in the water.

Is this what you call getting ready? Will said, grinning.

I thought you were coming from home, Sky said, swimming for the edge.

Not even close, Will said and bent down, holding a hand out for her. I’ve stopped to get a present for you.

Sky grinned and took his hand as he helped pull her out of the pool. The cool air washed over her, making her shiver a little. Will took the other hand out from behind his back. His mouth was cocked into a little half smile as his chestnut hair slipped into his eyes.

Good afternoon, gorgeous, he grinned.

Aren’t you sweet? She playfully punched his shoulder.

He passed her the box and she pulled on the ribbon, letting it fall to the stone patio as she flipped the lid open. It was a bronze necklace; it was small and circular in shape, the front was artfully designed with a series of lines and when Sky looked closer she could see that it was a locket, there was something hidden away inside. When she turned it over the back was etched with a dead flower and vine with a tiny inscription carved into the middle in a language she couldn’t decipher Varomar dalsin turien vinducsi espuin. When she turned it back over she pressed the button on the top to try and open it, but it wouldn’t budge.

There’s a clock inside, the man said that it would open with time, but until then I still think the locket suits you. Do you like it? he asked.

It’s beautiful, she breathed.

You look cold, Will said, glancing around for a towel.

It was supposed to be a quick swim, Sky said sheepishly.

He made a sweeping mock bow to the stairs. Sky rolled her eyes, closing the box carefully and heading back towards the house.

Love the red bikini, Will said from behind her.

Will sat in the living room while Sky ran upstairs to pull on clothes. She dug through her closet, pulling out a pair of dark skinny jeans and a dark green halter-top. Sky caught her reflection in the mirror on her wall and took the locket out of the box. Sky put the long bronze chain around her neck, fastening the clasp. When the locket touched her skin it felt colder than it should have been, almost like it had been sitting in ice, it sent a jolt through her body. She shuddered a little bit, feeling her legs get weak.

Will had good taste, the locket was beautiful and Sky had the overwhelming urge not to take it off again. She tried again to open the locket but nothing happened, it looked very old medieval almost. She let the locket hang in the center. She shook her hair out, running her hands through it so that the wet curls framed her face.

You look fantastic, Will said when she came down the stairs. He touched the necklace, his hand running along the chain. It looks lovely on you.

Sky did a couple mock model poses and arched her eyebrow, Why thank you, William.

What do we need to do before tonight? he asked. He put his arms around her waist and kissed her forehead. Someone is coming by to drop a bunch of stuff off in a few hour.

And I need to do my hair. Sky shrugged, That’s about it.

How will we ever get it all done? Will said sarcastically.

She kissed him. Well then, let’s get this party started.

They spent the afternoon lounging back down by the pool in sun chairs. Since she’d put the necklace on her body felt weak. She wasn’t sure why she hadn’t been able to shake off the dream yet either. Every time she closed her eyes it was like the water was billowing around her again. She fiddled absentmindedly with the locket.

You know, we could cancel tonight’s festivities, Will said, reaching over to take Sky’s hand.

She turned her head, shading her eyes from the sun.

No dice handsome, your friends would be so disappointed. Haven’t they been looking forward to this all week? Sky asked.

You’re far more important than any of them. Besides most of them probably won’t even remember the night. Will grinned.

Sky raised her eyebrows. Tempting. Well even so, I feel fine.

Will looked at her skeptically. Sky squeezed his hand and closed her eyes.

We should get ready, Will said. I’ll cook dinner.

Sky opened her eyes to see Will checking his watch. She twitched her mouth into a pout and heaved herself out of the sun chair. They took the stone steps two at a time, stopping at the top to look out over the ocean. Sky loved her house, especially the backyard, Will however continually tried to convince her that one day she would come out and the pool would be gone, dropped off into the ocean.

What would you like me to make? You know I’m basically a four-star chef right? Will asked from behind her.

Sky turned to him and shrugged, I’m okay with anything.

He frowned, You’re usually so adamant about your food choices. 

I trust you, she said, balancing on her toes to kiss his cheek.

Will grinned at her, his hair slipping into his eyes.

Fine, he said as they moved through the door and into the kitchen, you’re in for a treat.

Sky sat on the counter with her head against the cabinets, watching as Will moved about the kitchen. There was something almost therapeutic about watching him cook. Will leaned over the stove, dropping penne noodles into boiling water and preparing a pan for the sauce. He kept flipping the hair out of his eyes with sharp jerks of his head while his hands stayed busy chopping tomatoes and garlic.

I can’t believe your parents would go to Maui without you, Will said, glancing up at her. That’s just cruel.

They’re both going for some sort of conference. It wouldn’t be that much fun to hang out alone, Sky said and smiled. Plus I get to spend more time with you.

Will slid the tomatoes and garlic off the cutting board and into the frying pan. He crossed over and kissed her as they sizzled.

Just me and our closest fifty friends, he said.

Sky rolled her eyes.

You know tomorrow would be a good night to just stay in. Rent some movies? Possibly scary ones? Will asked.

He popped the lid off a jar and emptied it into the frying pan.

New backwoods zombie flick?

He lifted the other pan off the stove and dumped the noodles through a strainer.

I could go for that.

Good, he said. Dinners ready.

They sat opposite from each other on the dining room table, wolfing down their food. Even though Will insisted she looked fine, Sky went upstairs to get ready while he strung a couple strings of white lights throughout the dining room and the living room. Sky straightened her hair and curled it. She studied her reflection in the mirror. She was slightly pale, but she arranged her hair in a way that fell around her face, hoping that no one would notice that she was starting to get sick. The locket hung in the center of her chest, where it seemed to suck the rest of the light from the room. It shimmered brightly like gold even when she stepped into the shadows. Her fingers just grazed it, and she felt the spark of a shock. She jerked her hand away. The doorbell rang downstairs, breaking her out of her trance.

Well don’t you look stunning? Will grinned, from the bottom of the stairs.

There was a keg and two grocery bags stuffed with bottles at his feet.

Why thank you! Personally I think the locket helps. Sky kissed his cheek.

I’m glad I could finally get something you like, Will snorted.

Sky frowned indignantly. I love all the things you get me!

Even the penguin cookie jar? Will raised his eyebrows.

Sky grinned slightly.

Okay, I love most of the things you get me, Sky said.

Help me bring this into the kitchen, Will said.

Sky picked up the two bags and let Will deal with the keg.

Excited? he asked, his voice strained as he heaved it into the middle of the kitchen.

But of course, Sky said.

She raised her eyebrows in what she hoped was a sexy way. The doorbell rang over and over.

Well we better not keep them waiting. Will rolled his eyes.

Chapter Two

Everyone seemed to come out for the occasion, even people Sky didn’t really know. It was one of those occurrences where everyone brought their friends and their friend’s friends. The house was pulsating with the loud music. Sky knew that they were far enough from her neighbors that they wouldn’t be bothered enough by the music to call the police. Sky refilled her cup and pushed back through the party, trying to find her way to Will. She spotted him sitting by one of the windows in the living room, talking to a group of his friends. She sat down on the windowsill next to him.

Great party, Sky, Mark said, raising his beer to her.

Don’t give me credit, it’s Will who’s the best planner, she said loudly over the music.

I like them wild, he said suggestively, his friends roared with laughter.

Will grinned and kissed her on the forehead. Sky leaned back against the cool glass, her gaze drifting from the guys and their conversation to her side yard. There was a heavy fog rolling in, pressing against the house like it was trying to suffocate everyone inside. Sky narrowed her eyes; she could just make out something shadowy. It looked like someone was standing in the darkness looking back in at her. She was shaken out of her trance by Will.

Don’t you think he should cut it? Will asked her, motioning to Mark’s hair.

I’m not usually a fan of guys with long hair, but I think you work with it, Sky shrugged.

Is that a good thing? Mark laughed.

It’s hard to tell sometimes, Will said and winked at Sky.

Sky looked back to the spot, but whoever had been standing there had gone.

Compared to usual parties, this one had turned out surprisingly tame. Everyone had left one by one, which was rare. Sky moved through the living room and to the stairs flipping off the lights. She paused in the foyer, looking out the windows. The fog had gone, leaving the night crystal clear. Sky could see little stars shining down at her. The feeling that someone was out there hadn’t left her, and she shuddered not sure if it was because of the cold. As she climbed the stairs she brought her hand up and clasped it tightly around the locket, feeling the engraved words imprint into the skin of her palm. When she reached the top she opened her door to find Will sitting on her bed.

I thought it turned out well, did you? Will said pulling off his shoes as she pushed into her room.

It was nice, Sky smiled at him, I think I’m going to take a shower before bed.

She reached behind her neck and unclasped the locket, folding it carefully on her desk, and then began taking the pins out from her hair, her curls falling around her face.

I got a lot of compliments on the locket, she said to him.

He grinned brightly and leaned forward to kiss her on the forehead and then moved down to her lips.

When I’m out we should definitely do more of that, she said breaking away.

She sauntered out of the room, pausing to glance back over her shoulder to catch Will’s eyes and he winked at her. She moved out into the hall and toward the bathroom. What she hated most about the big house was at night when all the lights were off and she happened to glance over the banister into the foyer. There were always large dark shadows that took shapes of motionless figures. She flipped on the bathroom light and shut the door quickly behind her, blocking the darkness out. She had always been convinced that if she stared at something long enough waiting for something to move, it would.

The shower engulfed her with steam and warm water. Sky closed her eyes, and an image that was almost like a dream came to her head. This one was different. She could smell this time. The scent of the ocean and dirt filled her nostrils. She strained her eyes in the darkness and saw something climbing up the side of a cliff. When she adjusted to the darkness she could see that there were actually six of them, scrambling and clawing their way up. They were scrambling towards a wavering blue light, which looked oddly familiar to Sky. They were wearing hooded black cloaks with a red symbol emblazoned on the back, starting just below the hood and extending almost to the bottom. The symbol was ornate, the thin red lines twisting and bending to form elegant cursive words surrounding a cracked and leafless tree, decorated by skulls. They were nearing the top of the cliff, and Sky’s heart was pounding waiting to see where they were heading.

Run! a voice yelled.

Sky’s eyes flew open, wide and frantic with fear. She was disoriented and couldn’t tell if the voice had been in her head or not. She turned off the water and strained her ears, listening for the slightest sound. When she heard nothing she slipped out of the shower, wrapping herself in a towel and opened the bathroom door, carefully moving back to her room trying to make as little noise as possible. She had to be going crazy, whatever fever she was coming down with was a making her out of her mind.

Will was standing in the middle of the room, the locket clutched in his hand. He didn’t look up when Sky came in. He hadn’t seemed to acknowledge her presence. His eyes were wide, locked on the locket with a strange expression on his across his face.

Will, she hissed, did you hear anything?

At first he didn’t respond, but slowly he looked up, I saw an eye.

What? Where?

She glanced to the porch, expecting to see someone’s face pressed up against the window.

In the locket, it looked at me from behind the glass.

She frowned and let her towel drop. You’re a jerk. You just scared me half to death.

He didn’t say anything, but just looked back down to the locket. Sky dug through her drawers and pulled on a nightgown and zipped a sweater over top of it. When she came back out into the room she glared at Will, who hadn’t moved at all.

Can we just go to sleep? Sky snapped completely irritated.

Will glanced at her, his eyes glazed.

Hello? Sky asked much louder and ruder then she had meant to.

What? Will frowned at her.

It’s cold, can we get into bed?

He nodded curtly and set the locket down on her desk so quickly that if Sky hadn’t known better she would have thought it burned him.

Fine.

The romance had left the night as quickly as the fog. They got into bed and slept facing away from each other.

Chapter Two

Sky’s dreams were erratic. It was like trying to watch a movie on fast forward. There was a man sitting on the diving board in her pool. He was dressed strangely, long dark hair framed his handsome face and he wore a long cloak, the hood thrown carelessly away from his head, with the image of the red skull tree twisting across it. His boots were dangling in the water as the cloak flapped in the wind. She was watching the people climbing up from the ocean again, their scabbed hands reaching out to pull themselves up over the ledge and to the pool where the man greeted them warmly. She saw the man’s eyes and his face up close and it filled her with a sense of dread. If she’d passed him on the street she would have marved at how handsome he was. It was those piecing green eyes, the only emotion they displayed was pure, cold rage. Then Sky was sinking, down into hazy water, lily pads dotting the surface about her. Just as her body bumped against the ponds floor, she woke up.

It took Sky a moment to figure out what had woken her. The house was silent and her room was still dark. Will thrashed out, his foot connecting hard with her shin.

Ouch! she yelped. Will!

He stopped moving, but he hadn’t opened his eyes. Sky touched his shoulder and she could feel that his shirt was soaked. His face was slick with sweat too and the muscles in his face flexed repeatedly. Sky laid her hand on his forehead and she could feel the raging fever.

Will? she whispered.

He muttered something back and squeezed his eyes tighter. There was a glint of light in the darkness. Sky looked down to his fist where he was clutching the locket. Her eyebrows furrowed. She hadn’t even felt him get up. She pried his fingers apart and slipped the locket out, stuffing it into her sweater pocket.

Will, she said louder this time, shaking his shoulder.

His eyes flew open and he stared at her wildly. Even in the darkness Sky could see that his eyes were riddled with red lines.

What? he mumbled.

I think I got you sick.

I’m fine, Will said, just really tired.

You’re sweating like crazy.

Honestly I’m fine Sky. Can you just let me sleep? he asked and Sky could hear the anger in his voice.

Yeah, sorry, she snapped.

She lay back down next to him. Keeping her hand on his shoulder as she fell back asleep. When Sky awoke, Will was gone. Her arm was still stretched out across where he had been sleeping. She groaned and rolled over, feeling a sharp jab in her side. Sky pulled the locket out of her pocket, holding it in front of her face and studying it. There was no denying that it had a sort of alluring beauty to it, but she couldn’t understand Will’s total obsession with it,

Good morning, Will said from the door.

His eyes looked heavy and his skin was pale. He managed to give her a strained smile. He was clutching a mug in shaky hands.

What time is it? Sky asked and yawned.

She sat up and Will watched as she fastened the locket around her neck.

Twelve-thirty, he said and passed her the mug.

Sky beamed when the smell of Earl Grey wafted up to her. Will had made it perfectly, half warm milk and three sugars.

I figured you needed to sleep, I didn’t want to wake you, Will said.

If anything you’re the one who needs to sleep, Sky said. Are you okay?

You act like you’ve never seen a hangover before, Will said and smiled wickedly.

If that’s what you want to call it, Sky shrugged and took a sip of tea. Is anyone still here?

Nope, Will said proudly. I kicked the stragglers out around nine.

You’ve been up since then?

I just love to take advantage of a beautiful day gorgeous.

He turned and left the room. Sky was debating burrowing back down beneath her blankets, when Will poked his head back into the room.

There’s a gigantic mess by the way, he said.

Sky groaned and forced herself out of bed. She followed Will down the stairs and when they passed through the foyer into the living room, Sky could see what the darkness had hidden. Red plastic cups littered every flat surface in the room. Ground into the carpet was, what looked like, an entire bag of pretzels that someone had stomped on.

Lovely right? Will said,