Fantastical Companions: Fantastical Creatures, #1

By Karen A. Granovsky

Diego Avery's life has never been easy. His father was executed for murder when he was a teenager. He's being forced to host the spoiled son of a rich British businessman. He lives alone with his childhood best friend. And he's been hiding a griffin named Aglaciel in the forest on his property for the last five months.

 

However, Aglaciel soon grows tired of waiting. He is young and wants to know more about his kind, but remembers nothing of his life before meeting Diego. And Diego's questions about Aglaciel's origins have gone unanswered, leaving them at a standstill.

 

Some questions are resolved but even more are presented when Diego's girlfriend discovers an injured unicorn in a public park. Someone, or something, is hunting the last Fantastical Creatures to extinction. Before he knows it, Diego becomes embroiled in the plight of the Fantastical Creatures and their fight to survive.

 

Together with his friends, Diego embarks on a journey to find the answers to his questions. But will he like the answers he receives, and can there be a happily ever after?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Loyalty Press
• Release date: Dec 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386558071

Book preview

Prologue

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Icy rain pierced through his shirt like needles, but Diego Avery didn’t care. He just had to get away. Away from that house, away from his fears, away from everything. He wasn’t sure whether Rahim was following him or not, but he didn’t care. He just had to get away.

The low mist that hung over the trees and the methodical drizzle weren’t uncommon. It rained all the time near the Pacific coast of Oregon, and the weather was something Diego had grown used to after living his entire life there. But without an umbrella or a waterproof jacket, his clothes were soaked through. He wore a short-sleeved, fitted white shirt that allowed his tan skin more contact with the elements than he would have liked. He shivered from the cold.

The misty forest that stretched for acres on his estate surrounded him. As a child, it had been his refuge. Even as an adult, he needed to escape every once in a while, and the forest provided a perfect place to run away and hide from his troubles.

His thin legs finally gave out and he fell to the slippery earth with a grunt. In the back of his mind he wondered if his pants would be ruined by the fresh mud soaking into the fabric, but the unimportant thought quickly drifted from his mind. What did it matter in the long run? It faintly registered that he’d made it to his clearing, his favorite place in the whole woods. It was a small, circular depression in the sea of green, carpeted with soft grass and moss and protected by the trunks of mighty, ancient spruce trees that seemed to touch the sky.

A flicker of motion in the corner of his eye caused his body to freeze and his heart to skip a beat. It could be something as harmless as a startled deer, or something as dangerous as a mountain lion. He needed to know for sure. Keeping his body still, he twisted his head to the side to try and get a better view. Nothing. Maybe he was just imagining things.

No, there it was again. In the dim light, he saw a flash of dull gold. Now genuinely afraid, he bolted upright to a sitting position, the wetness of the grass soaking uncomfortably into his underwear.

Whatever it was tried to hide from him, but Diego’s eyes were sharp. The creature was sitting in the canopy, frozen in place, trying to remain unseen. It had wings, but its body looked almost feline-esque in the way it crouched. That was all Diego could make out in the limited light afforded him by the overcast sky.

The creature seemed to realize it had not escaped his sight. Instead of fleeing, however, it slunk down the tree trunk to the forest floor, still shrouded in shadow so Diego could not see it clearly. But it looked like a... griffin. It stood at the base of the trees, hidden behind some gnarled roots and watching him fearfully. It seemed its curiosity had won out against its fear.

Diego couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He had to be delusional from exposure. Were delusions a side effect of hypothermia? He didn’t think so.

I won’t hurt you, he breathed. You can come closer.

The creature’s expression twisted into one of shock. I... I can understand you. It talked, it actually talked.

W—What are you? Diego sputtered in shock.

I’m... not sure. The voice was undeniably male, though it sounded young. The creature’s beak moved as it spoke perfect English, and its face seemed able to convey a much wider range of expressions than any animal Diego had ever seen.

It stepped closer, and for the first time Diego got a good look at it. It was the size of a small lion, with four cat-like paws but the head and neck of a golden eagle. The feathers that covered its head and neck tapered into fur near its shoulders and chest. It sure looked like a griffin to him. But griffins weren’t real. This must be some kind of prank.

Without thinking, Diego reached out to feel the creature’s head, to touch its feathers and confirm its presence, but instantly jerked his hand away. What on earth was he thinking? That sharp beak looked like it could take his hand clean off. The griffin flinched away at first, but then drew its breath and its courage. With one swift movement, it forced its head up and allowed Diego to touch it.

Diego drew a breath in shock at the contact. The griffin’s feathers were soft—softer than the exotic macaw his father had let him pet at the zoo once. Even in the dim light of the forest and the cloud-covered sky, the griffin’s feathers and fur coat shone a dull gold. Just as legends claimed, it was the color of a lion’s pelt.

Diego? Diego? a voice called through the trees and the rain.

Diego’s blood froze as he heard the voice of his friend. No, no, you can’t find me yet.

Who’s that? the griffin asked nervously. Fear shone in its eyes.

My friend, Diego said, hoping to convince the griffin it was in no danger. It’s okay.

The brush parted and a man of Iranian heritage stumbled into the clearing, his eyes widening as he tried to process what he was seeing. Diego, what? He wasn’t even sure what question to form.

The griffin screeched. It was more an exclamation of fear than a signal it was going to attack, but the sound spurred Rahim into action. Almost faster than Diego could blink, Rahim threw himself in front of his young friend, spreading his arms wide. Get away! he roared in a deep, intimidating voice. The griffin, in turn, spread its wings and snarled in response to the hostility.

No, Rahim, it’s okay! It’s okay! Diego cried, grabbing his friend’s arm and locking eyes with the griffin. It’s friendly.

Several tense seconds passed as Rahim glanced back and tried to read Diego’s expression. The griffin didn’t seem like it would back down until Rahim did. Rahim sensed this and reluctantly lowered his arms, but he did not move from his place in front of Diego.

It was Diego who broke the charged moment by stepping out from behind Rahim and gripping his friend’s shoulder tightly. It’s okay, Rahim. Look at it, it’s young and scared.

Rahim trained his brown eyes on the griffin and found Diego to be right. Soft down was still present among the golden feathers. As soon as Rahim relaxed, the griffin did too. Diego could see the guilt Rahim felt for scaring this creature on his face.

This is Rahim, Diego began slowly. He’s my friend. He won’t hurt you.

The griffin looked at Rahim and took in a shaky breath. I won’t hurt you either.

Rahim, rightly, seemed shocked when the griffin spoke, but covered his surprise well and barely let it show on his face. No. I won’t hurt you. I’m sorry for scaring you.

The griffin released a deep breath it had been holding.

Diego reached out once again to pet the griffin, as if trying to prove to himself what he was seeing was real and not a dream. The softness of the feathers and the coarseness of the fur were just too potent to be a hallucination. The smell too. The griffin smelled of fresh rain and evergreen trees. It was hard to imagine scents.

Do you have a name?

A pause. Aglaciel.

Chapter 1

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Five Months Later...

Colin, go away. I’m reading, Diego murmured from his stretched out position on the sofa. Expensive imports from Europe and East Asia decorated the large sitting room, expressing the wealth of their owner. The walls were adorned with a regal red and gold wallpaper, and the carpet was an ornate, expensive plush to match the walls. Diego blended right into the setting. He was a handsome young man of twenty years with a Hispanic look to him, tall and a little bit lanky, with short black hair and deep green eyes. He wore a tailored black suit.

Good morning to you too, Mr. Grumpy, Colin Davenport, a muscular man the same age as Diego, said with a huff. He stood in front of the couch, his brown eyes fixated on his host. He wore a casual blue polo shirt and khaki pants which contrasted with his dull red hair.

You know I’m not a morning person, Diego said.

I still don’t know why. Mornings are wonderful, especially here. I can go out in the morning, alone in the beauty of nature because no one else is around...

Diego voiced his displeasure with a groan. Because they’re all much saner than you are, apparently.

I see a few joggers every now and again, Colin said defensively. He paused for a moment, looking around the room with boredom. So... You, uh, have a date with Miho tonight? he asked, fishing for something to converse about.

Diego’s icy eyes were trained on Colin in an instant. Yes.

That hadn’t worked. Getting Diego to talk about his personal life in any amount of detail was like trying to have a conversation with a stone wall. Backing away from the subject, Colin switched to talking about his own agenda. I’m just going to the stable today, he said. Have to do that every day, you know.

When are you going back to England? The irritation in Diego’s voice was unmistakable.

Last I checked, you can send me home as soon as you want to. This mansion isn’t your father’s anymore, Diego, Colin said, now getting irritated himself. "But I don’t think my father would be too happy with you or Avery International when he hears his son has been kicked out of his homestay."

Venom pulsed into Diego’s glare. I don’t particularly care what other people think of me. He certainly didn’t need to be reminded that Colin’s father, a rich British entrepreneur and corporate CEO, had made an agreement with Diego’s father, his friend and business partner, to let Colin come and live in their mansion for a year. The British businessman’s reasons had been something along the lines of helping his son scout out the American market. Diego, however, thought the agreement was really just a way to get the loudmouth out of his father’s hair, and Diego, for one, really couldn’t blame the man.

True, Diego could have rejected the idea altogether now that he was in charge of the household, but the arrangement had been made long ago and Diego, in spite of everything he said, didn’t really want to piss Colin’s father off. It could damage the friendship between Avery International and Davenport Enterprises, and thus affect his own livelihood.

Colin shrugged. Whatever.

Diego shifted his weight and stood up, setting his book down to make it clear to Colin the conversation was over. I need to go get some fresh air, he said with a yawn. He glanced at his watch, which read 11:27 a.m.

Colin just sighed and watched his friend leave the room.

* * *

Rahim? Diego called out as he walked down the grand staircase of his big mansion, trailing his right hand idly along the handrail. The staircase came down from the second floor, where the bedrooms and lounge were, and ended in the entryway, several feet from the front door. Off to his left was the living room, where he entertained guests when he actually had any. The kitchen, which had no actual doors, just a wood-framed entrance, was a little down the hall to the right.

Yes? a man replied, poking his head out from the kitchen. Rahim’s short hair was the same color as the dark wooden architecture of the house, and his brown skin showed his Iranian heritage. He was a tall man; twenty-six years old with large hands, a muscular frame, and a calm smile that adorned his face all day, every day.

I’m going to take my morning walk, Diego said.

Of course, Rahim said knowingly. He stepped aside and opened their nice silver refrigerator to pull out two huge steaks wrapped in paper, obtained from the quality butcher’s shop the previous evening. Though you’re a little late today. Hope he doesn’t get upset.

Diego shrugged, unconcerned. He won’t starve. He accepted the steaks, keeping them wrapped as not to dirty his black sport coat, and tucked them under his arm. I’ll be back in about fifteen minutes.

With a nod of acknowledgment from Rahim, Diego walked out the white French door that led to the backyard. Beyond the nicely maintained lawn lay the huge forest that occupied the rest of the estate’s land.

Diego walked into the forest without hesitation. It was a warm early spring morning boasting a sunny sky, a gentle breeze, and a perfect temperature; rare for Oregon at that time of year. The sun was beautiful as its rays shone through the branches of the evergreen trees, painting a calming picture of natural beauty. Bird songs rained down on Diego as he made his way along a well-worn trail that had been started by deer. In spite of it all, Diego felt sad to notice that his mood didn’t improve. Nothing ever seemed to help.

After several minutes, Diego reached his destination: a small clearing deep in the heart of the woods which held a precious secret.

Aglaciel! he called into the trees.

Faster than Diego could blink, the griffin emerged from the canopy, wings outstretched and glee in its eyes. It let go of the upper tree branches and dove towards him, a sharp screech like a hawk’s cry erupting from its throat.

Diego took one of the steaks, pulled the paper off, and threw it into the air in one fluid motion. The griffin caught the meat with amazing accuracy and swallowed it in one gulp. Soaring up and around the clearing, he returned for the other steak, and the process repeated.

Good morning, Aglaciel, Diego said, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile as Aglaciel landed gracefully in front of him, still licking the steak juices from his beak.

Thank you for the meal, Aglaciel said politely, a happy twinkle in his deep brown eyes.

Diego reached out, a bit hesitantly, to stroke the griffin’s feathery head. You doing okay?

Aglaciel ruffled his feathers. I suppose. I’d just... like to get out of this forest, is all. But you’ve heard that before.

You know I wish I could take you out, Diego said with sympathy. But I don’t want to risk anyone seeing you. Maybe sometime we can figure out a way to get you to the Cascades where we could be alone. Let you fly around a bit.

What are the Cascades?

A mountain range east of here, Diego explained. In some places they’re scarcely populated, so we wouldn’t have to worry about being seen.

A mountain range? Aglaciel said, his face contorting in thought.

You remember something? Diego asked, watching Aglaciel anxiously.

But to both of their immense disappointment, the griffin shook his head. No, there’s just something familiar about mountains, but I have no idea what it is. It’s infuriating.

I can imagine, said Diego. But I find it really hard to believe you don’t have some family nearby, or else where did you come from in the first place?

Believe me, I’ve dreamed about finding them again. But the images are never clear, just nameless, faceless bodies. And then I wake up.

Diego remained silent, unsure what to say.

Speaking of family, you never talk much about yours. What are they like?

Diego’s face visibly darkened. Maybe that’s because my family isn’t worth talking about.

Aglaciel sensed the shift in mood and shut his mouth. He looked like a guilty puppy that had just been yelled at.

Feeling bad, Diego spoke up awkwardly. Well, I’m going inside to have some breakfast. I’ll come back out this afternoon and spend more time with you, okay? Maybe we can play some baseball? The version of baseball he played with Aglaciel wasn’t really baseball. It was more like catch, but neither of them really minded. It gave Diego a chance to exercise, something he rarely did on his own, and it entertained Aglaciel, who sat around bored in the forest most of the day. Diego liked Aglaciel and enjoyed the time they spent together, but he knew this couldn’t last much longer. It was like keeping a sentient creature in a cage—it just wasn’t right.

All right. I’ll see you later. Aglaciel finished the conversation by leaping into the air, his wings catching an updraft that carried him back into the treetops.

Diego gave a halfhearted wave before he turned and headed back towards his mansion, the paper that had encased the steaks in his right hand. At this rate, it was going to be a long day.

* * *

How is Aglaciel? Rahim asked over his cup of Earl Gray tea as Diego neared the back steps. Diego saw a notebook lying open in front of Rahim on the glass deck table and a pen in his friend’s hand. Rahim was a published novelist, and it looked to Diego like he was working on the manuscript he’d been talking about for the last few months.

Fine, said Diego, climbing the steps. Though I’m starting to think keeping him here for much longer isn’t going to be an option.

Why?

He keeps bringing up how much he wants to leave. But where’s he going to go? We live in an urban area and someone’s going to see him eventually. And if he leaves without any idea of the world outside...

It’ll be a disaster, Rahim finished.

Diego nodded. Exactly.

What are you two talking about out here? Colin’s voice rang from the patio door.

None of your business, Diego said, his expression quickly turning into an irritated frown.

A character in my story, Rahim filled in quickly.

Rahim’s lie did the trick; Colin always got bored out of his mind when Rahim and Diego went on about Rahim’s novels. Fine. I’ll go see what’s on the telly then. He shut the screen door and walked back into the house.

So what’s on your agenda for today? Rahim reduced his deep voice to a whisper so Colin would not overhear again.

Not much else, Diego said. Except the date.

I’m sure you and Miho will both have a good time.

Yeah, Diego said halfheartedly, his voice shaking a little. He moved to go into the house, spurring Rahim to stand and gather up his things. Diego headed straight for the living room, far away from the upstairs lounge where he could already hear the TV blaring. Rahim, sensing his friend’s mood, followed him.

Are you all right, Diego? Rahim asked as Diego sat down on the couch and refused to look Rahim in the eye. You’ve been a little... down this morning.

Diego sighed, holding a decorative pillow closer to his face. "I’ve just been stressed about the date and what to do with Aglaciel. And I’ve been thinking again."

About...? Rahim inquired, though they both knew exactly what Diego was talking about.

Father.

Rahim let out a sad sigh. What brought this on?

Something Aglaciel said, Diego replied, his voice muffled by the pillow.

Would you like to talk about it? Rahim sat down on the couch beside him.

Why did my father kill that man? Diego asked softly. I’ve always wanted to know—the victim wasn’t a business competitor or anything. There was no connection. And he left such a trail of evidence! My father was always such a stickler for detail. Bitterness made itself known in his voice. It never made any sense. Why would he kill someone he didn’t even know, and so messily at that?

Rahim shook his head. It never made much sense to me either. Then again, most things your father did never made any sense to me. There was no humor in his voice, only a tint of cold rage.

Diego nodded slowly. Me neither. He sat up and leaned over to rest his head against his friend’s shoulder. Rahim, thank you for staying with me.

Rahim gripped Diego’s shoulder gently in response. How could I not?

Diego opened his mouth to say something else, but was cut off by the sound of someone knocking on the... back door?

Diego and Rahim exchanged a somewhat confused look laced with panic. Colin wouldn’t be able to hear, would he?

I’ll get it, Rahim offered, but