Rise of the Fallen - An Anthology

By Bree Vanderland, Bria Lexor, Elizabeth Harrell and 9 more

All the King's horses, and all the King's men, couldn't put the kingdoms together again...

Twelve authors come together with never before seen short stories with one common theme - the rise or fall of the empires.

Read their stories and lose yourself in the twists and turns between betrayal, love, and pain. Will some rise or are the doomed to perish?

All proceeds from this book will go to SAVE THE CHILDREN.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trinity Author Services
• Release date: Aug 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386124504

Book preview

Rise

of the Fallen

an Anthology

This anthology is a collection of short stories from various authors with one theme in common, the rise or fall of an empire. We hope you are as captivated by the stories as we are but take your time. Get to know the characters and what drives them. Love with them. Hope with them. Despair

Table of Contents

The Origins of Onizuca: Fall of the Skraxiz Empire

By Bria Lexor

Souls of Helion

By Bree Vanderland

A Princess Scorned: Part I (A Daughters of Tiamat Short Story)

By Allana Kephart

Citadel Assault #37

By Ann Marie Wilson

Castle Eal

By A.M. Cummins

Falling Reign

By Elizabeth Harrell

Priestess of the Earth

By Kerry Lee Holder

The Prophecy

By A.R. Simmons

The Forgotten Kingdom

By Caiti Garmen

Death of Dragons

By Jean Booth

Calai and Nepon in The Fate of Elais

By K.D. Beers

Rise from the Ashes

By Adrianna Davis

Note from TAS

The Origins of Onizuca:

Fall of the Skraxiz Empire

Bria Lexor

Text Copyright © 2018 Bria Lexor

This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited.

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 Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Long ago on Outer Earth lived two of the most powerful races in history. The Lufon’s and The Skraxiz. The Skraxiz King Sevikath and Queen Ameka were the parents of triplets: Cassius, Ariadne, and Onizuca. The youngest Princess Onizuca was to marry the Lufon Prince Lox Mythik when she turned Sixteen to keep the peace between the two races. Princess Onizuca had long black hair and her sister had long blond hair, both wore it in three pigtails on their heads. It was said by her father King Sevikath that Onizuca would rise to greatness once she became of age because his Fortune Teller named Badalla told him her future.

Now Onizuca, her father said. As they walked up the steps to their beautiful white castle. You are doing a great service to honor our family by honoring this per-arranged marriage.

Yes, father, Onizuca replied as she stood at the top of the steps waiting to meet Prince Lox. I will be honored to unite our two races in order to keep the peace between us.

King Sevikath smiled down at her. You are only five yet so wise, my favorite daughter, he said. Here they came now.

Onizuca looked up to see a young blond boy walking towards her with an older gentleman.

King Mythik and Prince Loxlean, it is a pleasure to meet you, King Sevikath said, shaking the man’s hand. This is my daughter, Princess Onizuca Ambria Sevikath.

I am pleased to meet you, Onizuca said as she curtsied in her blue dress.

We are honored to meet you King Sevikath and Princess Onizuca, King Mythik replied. Lox, you will spend time with the princess and get to know her better as we discuss our future plans for the two of you in private. The two kings entered the castle and left the children alone outside with a guard.

It is an honor to finally meet you, Princess Onizuca, Prince Lox spoke as he picked up her hand and kissed the top of it.

Thank you, Princess Onizuca smiled. It is an honor to meet you as well Prince Lox.

I brought you a gift for your birthday, Lox said as he had the guard go to the carriage and retrieved a white box. He placed it in front of Onizuca and she bend down and opened it. Inside was a small purple creature that looked like a mix between a cat and a rabbit with long floppy ears.

He’s adorable! Princess Onizuca said as she bent down and picked it up out of the box. I shall name him Scrabbit. Thank you, Prince Lox.

Lox smiled in approval. You’re welcome, Princess Onizuca. We shall get along just fine. Happy Birthday, Princess.

Chapter Two

Over the next few months Prince Lox and Princess Onizuca were beginning to spend more and more time together. Their parents had brought them into a room in the Skraxiz castle and placed them beside each other. Then they used their powerful magic and created a tall blue and purple candle mixed together and carefully handed it over to King Mythik.

This is The Candle of Ages, King Sevikath said to the children. King Mythik will light it once he and Prince Lox return to their castle. It will burn bright and will stay lit until the day you two are married.

Thank you, father, Princess Onizuca said as Prince Lox kissed her hand and waved good-bye to her before trotting after his father to take The Candle of Ages home. Prince Lox is very kind and will be a good husband for me when I am sixteen.

Yes, he will be, my beautiful daughter. King Sevikath said to her. I must prepare the X-Team for an upcoming battle. Please excuse me. King Sevikath said as he exited the room.

Let’s go see what your brother and sister are up to, Onizuca, Queen Ameka said as they exited the room. Onizuca was holding a purple ball and she bounced it on the floor. It hit the floor and rolled into a nearby room. Onizuca chased after it and her mother was about to say something when she noticed the ball stopped near the Platinum Dragon Stone which belonged to her husband. It began to glow a pale pink and blue. Onizuca picked up her ball and ran back to her mother who was shocked.

What’s wrong mommy? Princess Onizuca asked her mother.

Before Queen Ameka could reply the Fortune Teller, Badalla appeared. Princess Onizuca is going to become the next leader of the X-Team, my Queen.

But... she’s a princess? Queen Ameka replied. She can’t possibly become the leader of the mighty X-Team... can she?

Princess Onizuca is destined for greatness, my Queen, Badalla said. She will be the legendary Skraxiz warrior we have heard stories about. She is very special and must be protected from the evil that is coming after her.

I will protect Onizuca with my life, Fortune Teller.

Chapter Three

Her sister and brother were becoming jealous of her for always being favored by their father.

Why does father like you more than us, Onizuca? Ariadne asked her.

I don’t know? Onizuca replied. You are the leader of yhe Vile Rose Team, I am not jealous of you for it, sister.

That’s because I am better than you, Onizuca. Ariadne replied as she flipped her long blond hair over her shoulder. "Don’t you ever forget it."

Why are you so jealous of me, Ariadne? Onizuca asked her sister. I haven’t done anything to make you hate me?

Ariadne scoffed. Why are you so stupid, Onizuca? Ariadne asked. Cassius and I don’t like you anymore. We only play with you because you are our sister and mother is making us be nice to you. Onizuca was shocked as she looked at her siblings. She didn’t say anything as she stood up and walked towards the door. You better not tell on us either! Ariadne called as Onizuca exited the room.

Onizuca walked out of the castle and sat down sadly on the steps. She started crying softly as a shadow suddenly appeared over her. She looked up and found Lox staring down at her. She quickly wiped her tears with the bottom of her purple dress and kept her gaze on the stone beneath her feet.

Lox sat down beside her, and he took her hand in his. Why are you crying Onizuca? he asked her.

Because, Onizuca sniffled. My brother and sister hate me. she said quietly. My father favors me over them and they hate me for it.

They are just jealous of you, Onizuca, Lox replied as he squeezed her hand. I am learning how to fly. he said in an excited voice. Do you want to see me try it?

Yes, Onizuca said and smiled at Lox. I would love to see you fly.

Lox stood up and released her hand. He focused his energy and he was able to levitate his entire body off the steps but only just a little. He fell back down and frowned. I am just learning but I will fly soon.

That’s great, Lox, Onizuca said with excitement in her voice. I wish I could fly.

Perhaps I can teach you sometime, Lox said. You know, after I learn how to fly more I mean.

I would love that. Onizuca smiled. You are so nice to me.

Why wouldn’t I be nice to you, Onizuca? Lox asked her. ‘You are my future wife... you mean the world to me."

I do? Onizuca asked him as she climbed to her feet. But everyone hates me.

That doesn’t mean I will join them, Onizuca, Lox said. I already made up my mind about you and I love you.

Onizuca smiled. Thank you, Lox, she said. Can you show me how to make an energy ball? she asked him.

Of course, Onizuca, Lox said as they walked down the steps and walked over to a nearby water fountain. Onizuca sat down on the ledge and looked up at him waiting for him to start his lesson.

First you clear your mind and focus your energy in the middle of your hands, Lox said as he put his hands in front of him cupping them and leaving a five-inch gap between them. Then you feel the energy and in your mind, you form an image of a ball. He imagined a blue ball and a blue energy ball formed in his palms. He used his right hand and flung it high into the air making it disappear into the clouds. And that’s how you create an energy ball Onizuca. Lox replied. You give it a try.

Okay, Onizuca said hesitantly. She took a deep breath and focused her energy in between her palms and to her surprise she formed a pink energy ball. I-I did it, Lox! She said growing excited.

That’s amazing, Onizuca, Lox said just as astonished as she was. Now throw it up into the air.

Before she could throw it into the air her father walked over to them to see what they were doing. Onizuca, King Sevikath said. What are you- he stopped when he saw the ball of energy in her hands.

Onizuca yelped in surprise and the ball of energy went flying towards Lox’s head, but he ducked just as it went flying past him hitting a wall making it burst on impact. Lox and her father looked at her in shock, saying nothing.

I’m sorry! Onizuca said leaping to her feet. I won’t do it again, I promise!

King Sevikath knelt in front of his daughter and placed a hand on her right shoulder. I am not angry, Onizuca, he said. I got to see first-hand the power you hold within you. You will grow to control that power and will become one of the most powerful Skraxiz in existence.

Y-you’re not upset with me, father? Onizuca asked him. I accidentally broke the wall.

No, I am not upset with you, my favorite child, King Sevikath said to her. A wall can be mended, but a child’s feelings cannot once they are damaged. He stood up and removed his hand from her shoulder. I must take the X-Team and go into battle with a new enemy. he said. I am leaving The Platinum Stone in the care of your mother while I am away. he said. You continue to practice controlling the energy ball and I will show you how to properly use it when I return.

Yes, father, Onizuca said as she gave him a quick hug and released him. I will continue to practice using the energy ball.

King Sevikath smiled at her and nodded curtly at Lox before turning and walking towards the castle.

I have a bad feeling that your father and the X-Team is going to be in danger. Lox said to Onizuca. Something terrible is about to happen... I can feel your father’s mission. It will be his last...

Chapter Four

Princess Onizuca was spending the night at the Lufon castle and she was staring at The Candle of Ages. The candle was sitting on top of a table unlit in a small room that was almost hidden from sight.

Why hasn’t the candle been lit yet, Lox? Onizuca asked him with curiosity in her voice.

My father said that The Candle of Ages is not to be lit until the time is right. Lox said with a shrug. I guess that our parents still want us to get to know each other better.

I guess so, Onizuca said as they walked away and went upstairs. They walked up a long hallway with doors on both sides lining the walls. Lox stopped at the end of the hall and opened a door. Is this my room Lox? Onizuca asked him.

It is whenever you are staying with us. Lox said with a smile.

Onizuca walked into the room and looked around. There was a large bed against the left wall, a dresser, a closet and French doors that led to a balcony. This room is perfect. she said to Lox.

Lox entered the room and stopped beside her. You seem sad, Onizuca.

I’ve... never been away from home before, Onizuca said to Lox giving him a sad smile. I miss my family.

Lox took her hand in his and kissed it. I will become a member of your family in sixteen years, Onizuca, Lox said. You and my father are all I have in this world.

What happened to your mother? Onizuca asked as he released her hand.

She died a few months ago. Lox replied. I miss her but knowing I will be with you makes me feel better Onizuca.

I’m sorry you lost your mother, Lox, Onizuca said feeling bad. I didn’t mean to pry into your family’s business.

You are okay Onizuca, Lox said. You didn’t know. We are still getting to know each other are we not?

Yes we are, Lox. Onizuca said. Can you stay with me tonight? she asked him. I can sleep on the floor... I don’t mind.

Lox looked horrified. You are not sleeping on the floor like an animal, Onizuca, Lox said shaking his head. You will be sleeping in the bed and I will have my guards bring in a cot for me to sleep on. Scrabbit came walking into the room and he jumped onto the bed and curled up into a ball and fell asleep.

Onizuca laughed. It looks as though Scrabbit is ready for bed.

Would you like to go outside and look at the stars with me, Onizuca? Lox asked.

I would love to, Onizuca said and they walked to the French doors and Lox opened them allowing her to step through them first. Thank you, Lox.

You are welcome, Lox said as they stood outside in the hot musky air. I love coming outside and looking up at the starts before I go to bed each night.

It’s beautiful out here, Onizuca said as she stared at the growing number of stars in the nights sky. I hope my father and the X-Team are okay out there.

I hope so too, Lox replied. My father is also a member of the X-Team but he declined going on this mission as a king is needed to stay and rule over Outer Earth.

I didn’t know that your father was an X-Team member? Onizuca said.

He is, Lox replied looking at her. That is how our fathers met long ago and they have been best friends ever since.

That’s amazing, Onizuca said. My father never tells us anything about his missions, so I didn’t know much about the mighty X-Team. Onizuca paused. Dinner was amazing tonight.

It was, wasn’t it? Lox replied with a smile. We had to hire a new cook and I guess he came from a place called Earth. He said tonight’s dinner was called Mexican food.

I love Mexican food! Onizuca said.

Lox chuckled. Well, when you come over I will have the cook prepare you Mexican food from Earth.

You are spoiling me, Lox, Onizuca said. You make me feel like I actually matter to you.

Because you do matter to me, Lox said. When my father told me about the arranged marriage... I couldn’t wait to meet you and see what you looked like. He said growing excited. And now that I know... I know that you will be the most beautiful girl when you are sixteen Onizuca.

Onizuca blushed and looked down at the white balcony. You really think that I will be the most beautiful girl on Outer Earth, Lox?

"I know you will be. Lox said with so much assurance in his voice that Onizuca believed him. I already believe that you are beautiful... you need to start believing that you are beautiful as well."

Thank you, Onizuca said stifling a yawn. I am getting quite tired.

Let’s get you inside. Lox replied as the walked back into the bedroom. He closed the French doors behind him. You have the cutest accent.

I don’t have an accent, do I? Onizuca asked him.

You do, Lox said as he went out and asked a guard to bring in a cot and a blanket and pillow for him to sleep on. I think all of you Skraxiz have it.

I guess I never noticed it before? Onizuca replied as she climbed into bed after kicking her shoes off. Scrabbit made a sound in protest as he was being pushed around until she was comfortable. A moment later three guards entered the room. Two of them carefully set the cot down beside the bed and the other placed the pillow and blankets down on the cot. Lox thanked them, and they exited the room.

King Mythik entered the room just as the guards exited it. Lox finished fixing the blankets and hopped into the cot. Onizuca, do you know why you are staying with us tonight? he asked her.

Um... no I don’t? Onizuca replied. Why did my mother send me to your castle, King Mythik?

King Mythik sighed inwards before speaking. Your mother is worried that someone is going to try to kill you Onizuca.

What? Onizuca replied in surprise. Why would anyone want me killed? I don’t understand?

We are just taking precautionary steps, King Mythik replied trying to reassure the worried princess. This new threat that your father and the X-Team have gone off to do battle with is threatening all of Outer Earth...and he needs to be stopped before things get out of hand. he paused. You will be able to go home again... we just want you to be safe, my dear.

Onizuca forced a smile. I understand, King Mythik. she said. What will happen to me if that man comes after me?

You will have to go into hiding someplace he will not go looking for you. King Mythik replied. I will speak with your mother about potential locations for you to go if such an occurrence comes to pass. Get some rest you two. I will see you in the morning. King Mythik tucked Lox in and kissed him on the forehead. He came over to Onizuca and gave her a hug. You are safe with us, Onizuca.

Thank you King Mythik. Onizuca said as he released her and turned and exited the room closing the door behind him. Lox, Onizuca asked him. Can you hold my hand until I fall asleep?

Of course, I will, Onizuca, Lox replied as he reached out his left hand and took her right hand in his. You don’t need to ask me... I will gladly be at your side each night you stay with us.

Thank you, Lox, Onizuca said as she closed her eyes. Good-night.

Good night Onizuca... sweet dreams. The next morning when Onizuca awoke, she opened her eyes and found Lox’s hand still holding hers. He was staring at her and she took back her sweaty hand and wiped it on the white blanket that covered her. Good morning, Onizuca, Lox said. Did you sleep well?

Good morning, Lox, Onizuca replied as she yawned and stretched her arms. I slept well. How about you?

I slept good. Lox replied as he wiped his own sweaty palm on his blanket. Let’s go have some breakfast in the dining room.

Onizuca threw off the blanket and crawled over the cot to get across the room. Lox stood u after tossing off his blanket and they both exited the room after he opened the door. A guard escorted them down the stairs and into the dining room. Onizuca st in a chair beside Lox. His father sat across from them.

Did you both sleep well last night? King Mythik asked them.

We did, father, Lox replied as he took a drink of his milk. Thank you for allowing me to stay with Onizuca last night.

You are both becoming fast friends with each other and I see no problem in having a sleepover. King Mythik replied as he took a bite of his egg. You both need to spend as much time together as possible because we never know when a threat will arise here on Outer Earth.

Onizuca took a bite of her ham. Did you speak with my mother, King Mythik? she asked him.

I have, he said choosing his words carefully. She said you can return home today.

I do miss my family terribly. Onizuca said looking down at the table. I cannot shake the feeling that something terrible is going to happen to them.

Then you should probably stay with us until we can figure out a plan of action for you, King Mythik said. Your mother has also informed me of you being a potential threat to this new evil when you grow up as well Onizuca.

But I am just a princess, Onizuca said. I cannot even form an energy ball properly.

You showed her how to form an energy ball, Lox? his father asked him, arching an eyebrow.

Y-yes father, Lox said hesitantly. Onizuca did everything right until her father came and she became frightened and shot it at a wall shattering it.

My word, King Mythik said to himself. That is remarkable. Onizuca.

My father said he would show me how to properly shoot it once he returns from battling this new enemy. Onizuca said.

Nobody has heard from your father since he and the X-Team left... it is quite unusual.

I think he is going to die out there! Onizuca said with fear in her eyes. He will not return home to us!

Let’s not get into the habit of thinking so negative, Onizuca, King Mythik said.