Ghosts and Daemons and Cultists, Oh My!

By Julie Davis

The short story collection starts with “A Proper Lady,” which introduces Eleanor, a ghost that is determined not to move on from her antique home. The Grim Reaper is forced to employ a number of tricks and persuasive tactics in an attempt to convince Eleanor to stop clinging to her old life and accept her death.

The second story, “Valley of Decay,” describes the naïve venture of four young adults—Jaryn, Kallee, Hanir, and Brant—as they enter a cursed valley. It is said that the spirit of an old Mage haunts the valley, and none who enter have ever returned.

“First Time for Everything” is the third story, and it is told from the perspective of Altavir, a Daemon on the hunt for food in Mundanity, the mortal realm. He catches the scent of a lone, human girl—an easy meal for a Daemon...right?

The final story, “A Promise in Blood,” focuses on Eyvalari and Varik—two elves that live in the small, elf village of Ilthara. When cultists appear, they shatter the quiet peace of Ilthara and change Eyvalari and Varik’s lives forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julie Davis
• Release date: Oct 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463764336

Julie Davis

Julie Davis is a novelist with a strong focus on the fantasy genre. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Full Sail University, and her flash fiction piece, “The Rift,” was recently published in the July 2018 print edition of the SCARLET LEAF REVIEW. In her spare time, she observes and names the birds that visit her backyard. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, dog, and two cats.

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Ghosts and Daemons and Cultists, Oh My!

by Julie Davis

Copyright by Julie Davis, 2018

All Rights Reserved

First Smashwords Edition

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Table of Contents

A Proper Lady

Valley of Decay

First Time for Everything

A Promise in Blood

Author Note

About the Author

A Proper Lady

Eleanor answers the front door on the third knock. A boy still in the single digits stands twisting his fingers together on her doorstep. He looks up with the large, blue eyes of a child—the kind that can melt hearts and sway even the most obstinate of adults.

Eleanor slams the door shut.

The boy squawks. Eleanor!

Unashamed, Eleanor says, Not today, Mr. Grim! and returns to her painting.

~~~

At 6:52 the next morning, Eleanor drags herself away from her cleaning to answer the door—only to stop the incessant knocking. The man on the other side looks no older than thirty, with stylishly-disheveled, red hair, and the same crystal-blue eyes of the