Outcast of the Dream World

By Sandra Chandler

David is an outcast in the world of the living as well as among his own kind. He hates what he is and struggles against it, making him dangerous to those like him. He struggles to set matters right, getting the mortal where he rightfully belongs even if it means the end of his immortal existence.

With help from his newfound friends, he might just succeed, but what future awaits him if he does?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 19, 2011
• ISBN: 9781449714345

Sandra Chandler

Sandra Chandler hails from Hustonville, Kentucky. She began writing as a child, when she would make up endings to old thriller movies so that her sister wouldn’t have nightmares. Dream World began as a short story and then became a series as the story grew.

Book preview

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

I would like to thank the staff at Westbow Publishing, Writer’s In Motion (a group that encouraged me to submit my work), and Cassie who demanded more chapters.

CHAPTER ONE

David Gabrial was known to only a few in that realm. Those who did know him called him by other names—Outcast, Undead, and Monster, all of which accurately described him.

To look upon him, one would not have known him to be such. His appearance was that of a mortal man—a young adult, six foot even, medium perhaps slightly muscular build. He had always been active enough to ward off any unwanted weight. He looked much the same as he had before … the assault.

However, that had been a long time ago in the real world. Now, after his mortal assassination, his physical appearance would never change—right down to the dark hair that curled upward at the nape of his neck and fell in a slight wave upon his brow.

Since coming to this surreal realm, albeit by a stroke of good fortune, he had reverted to his previous state of mortality. Well, somewhat.

He did not have his unholy thirst for nourishment but could feed from the bountiful harvest that the forest provided. Also, he was very grateful for every scrap from the kitchen that was smuggled out to him from time to time by his friend and co-conspirator. What concerned David now was the presence of the two men strolling through the glen leading to the woods where he hid.

Those who dwelled here (present person excluded) lived in the grand white house. With its rounded driveway and tall white columns that hoist high the semicircle roof of the veranda, it too was perfect. The meticulous manicured landscapes and beautiful gardens were so lovely that inhabitants usually preferred to wander about the grounds, not the woods. It was a special rarity that these two ever walked the paths in these gentle woods.

Curious as to their purpose, David crept behind them, hoping to snatch pieces of their conversation. As they paused, David concealed himself behind some lush foliage. With the back of his hand, he gently brushed aside a branch of a bush so that he might view them better. The two men paused in their walk and glanced at each other as they appeared to survey their surroundings.

Marcus, the taller of the pair, always had a dignified, majestic bearing. His hair was as white as the old-fashioned linen suit he wore, but he was not an old man, not in visage anyway. To add to his mystery, his finely shaped brows were dark, his eyes keen as a hawk’s. Marcus’s face was devoid of age lines, having only a stray character line or two that he had gained from his mortal life’s harsh lessons. No one in the Dream World knew how old he really was. His mind was sharp, and he did not miss a thing that went on in his realm, including possible reasons why someone like the younger man beside him, Darby, might want to stay.

Unlike the cocky Adonis beside him, Darby had been here well over a century and made no secret that he enjoyed his life here. With his well-tanned, muscular body, and long, golden waves of hair that cascaded upon his shoulders, Darby seemed out of place here. Lying in the sun on a white, sandy beach would have suited him better.

Handsome rogue that he was, Darby had led a devil-may-care life when he had lived his mortal life in the world of reality. He had been somewhat of a dandy, living by his good looks and charming older women on whom he would lavish his attentions. And they were exceedingly grateful.

Darby did not know while in his human existence that his last lover was the same person who had orchestrated their last tryst so that her husband would find them together. Not realizing that she was married, Darby walked unaware into her plan to retaliate against her spouse’s own love affairs.

Whether she had hoped that her younger lover would kill her husband in self-defense, or if she had only wanted to test her husband’s true emotions for her was not clear to Darby when he discovered that he had been set up. It wasn’t clear to him afterward either for that matter. Her husband caught him completely off guard and thus dispatched the golden-haired lover to this place.

However, as decreed by Marcus, Master of the Dream World, those battered souls who found their way to this realm could return to the world of mortals and exact justice for the crimes done to them. A visit to a particular shallow pond in the forest had been in order to reveal to Darby exactly what had happened.

Marcus took him to the spot where tall reeds and pampas grass grew around the seemingly peaceful area. A rock jutted out from the bank between two clumps of wavering fronds and long, sharp leaves, while a curious white mist curled upward from the water to conceal the surface.

Marcus had led the way between the grasses and stepped upon the rock. Going to the edge of it, he knelt and waved his hand over the water. The mist parted as the calm, clear water started to stir. Then it began to bubble, growing in intensity. The mist around it changed color from white to crimson, except for the area where Marcus had touched it.

This is the Pool of Remembrance. You may not remember exactly the circumstances of what happened, but it does … and it is always the truth. Watch and learn, Marcus told him.

Then inside the churning water, a scene began to materialize. It was like gazing into a crystal ball. The images told them the story behind Darby’s demise, of his lover’s treachery.

Darby was furious when he found out that he had been so duped. Ultimately, even though it was her husband who committed the actual crime, Darby decided to avenge himself on the pair of them. He drew great satisfaction from the deed.

Once that task was done, Darby could return to the world of reality and live out the rest of his mortal existence in a time and place of his choosing (the same as all residents before him). With one exception: he could not return during a time just prior to entering the Dream World. It would not do to come face-to-face with his former self.

However, it turned out that there was little danger of that. Darby took quite a fancy to his new home. After all, like all inhabitants, he lacked for nothing and did not have to work to earn his way. He could even visit the world of mortals for a rendezvous or two if he so desired.

As time in the world of mortals passed, Darby found the fast-paced, modern generation was much more to his liking—his style. Like him, the younger set was self-indulgent, living for excitement and all manner of pleasures.

He especially took full advantage of Marcus’s generosity. To aid these souls, no matter whether newly arrived to this place, living there indefinitely, or about to pass on, Marcus gave them access to a huge, opulent room that stored a multitude of period clothing. This included shoes, accessories, and even jewelry. The clothes and materials were always there, and unseen hands were ready to design and cut and sew when needed. All it required was a word from Marcus.

In his office chambers, Marcus held sway over monetary funds that included any denomination of currency—paper and coin. Darby mused that Marcus would have been the envy of any bank.

The inhabitants did not need to concern themselves with the mundane matters of living. No one knew where the groceries came from. They only knew that their larders were always full. They lacked for nothing and did not need to work; everything was provided for them. Life here truly was a dream.

The Master of the Dream World was an envious position to hold. He was prone to long life, wealth beyond belief, power enough that if he wanted something done, he only had to snap his fingers and it was done.

Darby wanted a little of that power to fall on him. Yes, just a taste.

However, neither money nor material things had any meaning to Marcus. In a sense, Marcus was imprisoned here; he could not return to the world of mortals as others could. Once he had assumed control of the Dream World, the handsome, gentle man with the alabaster hair was tied to it. It had been the same for those who had been here before him and would be for those who would follow in his stead.

What Darby and the other inhabitants did not understand was that there was a caste system of sorts. First was Marcus; then there were those who were biding time until they could avenge themselves and return to the world of mortals. Darby fell into this category, even though he had completed his task. He was more like a guest who was overstaying his welcome. Why Marcus allowed the youngster to do so was for his own reasons.

Lastly was the handful of servants. The servants were the souls of those who had been unable to track down the villains that had ended their human existence. They were the only souls to work for Marcus to earn their right to live here. To send those back to the world of reality without their vendetta fulfilled would be to condemn them to relive those last hours of their lives. Marcus had a care for them just as he had for everyone who dwelled in his house. He was loath to allow that to happen. Even if all he could was to delay the inevitable.

Marcus had never married and thus did not have a family in his mortal life; thus, he often referred to all inhabitants as his children. He seemed to live the life he could have had through them, thus deriving satisfaction in helping them on their way. Except for one person in particular. His was a perplexing problem.

Darby glanced over his shoulder. We are being watched.

Marcus’s voice was strong and deep, yet gentle as he spoke softly to the beautiful, blond man beside him. He barely nodded, arched one of his dark eyebrows, and asked, Have you just noticed? He has been spying on us for some time now.

Why do you tolerate him? He doesn’t belong here.

Marcus gave his young protégé a sad smile. In truth, neither do you.

Darby’s face reddened at the rebuke.

Marcus continued, You are the one person who has wanted to stay with us instead of returning to the world of mortals. I allow you to do so as long as you abide by my laws.

Marcus’s laws were few but quite clear.

First, only Marcus could decree the death of any that lived here.

Second, there would be no children born in the realm. As those who lived here did not age, it would not do to bring a child into a world where it could not grow up and live a normal life.

Third, any disagreements were to be brought to him, and he would settle the matter. When considering his judgments, he did not allow all his children to be included; matters were not broadcast. He usually involved just those persons concerned in the matter. However, if it served a purpose as a reminder not to cross him or break his laws, then he held full court where all could witness.

Thinking of David, Marcus frowned. He is a puzzle to me. This undead is truly an outcast here. In life, he tried to survive from the blood of animals, but at times, he had to succumb to the bloodlust for humans. Even then, he … had … Marcus shook his head. How to explain it when he himself was not sure how to put his thoughts into words? He stopped and, as if thinking aloud to himself, said, It is as if he had a care for all creatures he fed from—animal or human. As best he could, he rejected and rebelled against the vile nature of his kind, which caused him to be an outcast to his vampire race.

With a shrug, he continued to walk. Would you believe that there was a time that they hunted him?

What!

It is true. They had a death warrant out for him. He is not as evil as his race dictates.

How did you …?

Don’t forget, his path is entwined with that of our beloved Beth.

Darby recalled the lovely young servant that was at Marcus’s command. Did they consult the Pool of Remembrance?

Marcus nodded. "As have I, and it has revealed many interesting facts. Including what I have just told you. I will have you know that the warlock who lay the curse upon David is the scoundrel who spirited Beth away. David had tried to protect her, but, instead, had gotten in the warlock’s way.

"When Beth discovered what was going to befall David, it was too late. Nonetheless, she tried to escape this very powerful creature. She did not succeed and received a severe beating. When he crushed in her skull, it was a release for her that sent her here to us.

"David, on the other hand, found his way here quite by mistake, I assure you, and when I discovered that he and Beth were so connected, how could I send him away? They returned briefly, but were unable to track the warlock. It was as if the earth opened up and swallowed him.

David has been good company for Beth and watches the pool for another chance at their adversary. With a short laugh, Marcus mused, David has even returned once or twice on his own; I suspect through the waters of the pool. He did not revert to his vampire state right away, but it wasn’t long before he did. Don’t forget, as long as David remains here, he is … human and does not pose a threat to mortals in the world of reality.

Darby nodded in understanding. It was a very convenient arrangement for the undead man.

As Marcus turned to guide their way back to the house, he continued, David abides by my laws. He causes no trouble; even stays out of the way from the rest of us. Hardly anyone else knows anything about him.’’ After a pause, Marcus concluded, I think he has a destiny that is tied with ours. We just don’t know what it is yet. Give it time."

David watched them until they were out of sight. Marcus had been right on all counts of David’s history. Since Marcus had accessed it from the Pool of Remembrance, all David could do was to verify its accuracy.

He couldn’t blame Marcus. The Master had to ensure that those living in his domain were safe from such a monster as he. But as long as David stayed among the residents of the Dream World, the magical properties of the realm were extended to him. He was just as human as any of them.

As if he needed a further reminder, a rumbling in his stomach told him that he needed nourishment. Thank God it would not be human blood. Beth would probably be waiting for him at the pool. She visited him almost every evening with some tidbit from their table.

David was very familiar with the woods and used a path that cut through the forest and led him quickly to the tall grassy area and the pool.

Sure enough, David saw his lovely, dark-haired friend sitting on the rock that jutted out over the water. Her long, dark hair was tied neatly at the nape of her neck with a blue silk ribbon. She waved to him as he hurried to her.

Collapsing down beside her, he apologized, Sorry I’m late. Marcus and Darby were taking a stroll through the woods.

Concern showed on her face. Oh no. I hope they didn’t see you.

As David grinned, a mischievous sparkle appeared in his eyes. They knew I was there.

Spying the folded napkin in the lap of her crisp white apron, he asked, Is that for me?

Beth giggled like a naughty child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. You know it is. She gave him the white linen napkin.

David carefully unwrapped the folds of the napkin to reveal a thick slice of ham tucked between two slices of warm, freshly baked bread. The aroma was heavenly. To any other person, it might seem simple fare, but to David, it was sheer ambrosia. He never forgot what his diet would be in the world of reality and was always thankful for anything, even a crumb from Marcus’s table that Beth provided him when she could.

Actually, Marcus was quite generous in his remarks about me. I didn’t know he cared.

As Beth gave him a wide-eyed, incredulous look, David’s grin returned, as did the mischievous glint in his eyes. Well, he cares where you are concerned; and if that includes me, then I might as well get thrown into the mix.

David!

’Tis true, lass! Said so himself just a few minutes ago to Darby.

Beth rolled her eyes.

More on a serious note, David continued, Marcus told Darby how we are tied together.

Beth bowed her head, sorry that she had made fun of David. If only we could go back a bit further and have the pool reveal more of your past …

David cut her short, shaking his head. Wouldn’t change a thing. You never met … my beloved, and I … I never really looked upon her face.

But …

David shook his head sadly again. The pool knows this and will only reveal to us what pertains to only us two. In anger, he spat out the warlock’s name, Raymond!

Perhaps tonight …

David shook off the anger he felt and allowed a lighter mood to settle upon him. With a grin, he set out to infect Beth as well. Enough of the past. Are you needed at the house for a while?

Beth looked at him, her dark eyes narrowing with suspicion. Not for a bit. Why?

David looked surprised and then feigned hurt feelings. Madam, I have always been quite honorable in my actions toward you, and I will continue …

Aye! That you have! More’s the pity!

David held up a warning finger. Nay, Beth, it was always to be me and my lady. You knew that.

Have you really remained faithful to her? After all this time … these centuries?

Anyway … I thought … David attempted to change the subject.

You didn’t answer me!

David remained silent, which was answer enough. Then he replied, I never found anyone that could take her place. Vampires are known to have several wives and can sire quite extensive families, as did my … immortal father. However, I never did. Not one.

With a short laugh, he continued, Another fault of mine that damned me with the vampire clan, for which they hunted me. Then he shrugged his shoulders. I don’t regret it.

Didn’t you ever get lonely?

Lonely? In his dark brown eyes, Beth could see sadness and yes, indescribable loneliness. With a faint smile, he whispered, The like I hope you will never know.

He turned away from her to look at the calm water of the pool to control his feelings before turning back to her with a smile. Since you can stay awhile, what is your pleasure tonight, Madam?

Beth grinned. "Pleasure, is it?’

"Me notwithstanding. Although my own life may not allow thoughts or feelings of love, what