Crimson Falls

By M.H. Crawford

Joel can't let his past stay hidden any longer. Despite the unavoidable pain, he searches for the truth behind his family's secret. Will the answers bring him freedom or bind him further.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 11, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543954012

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Text Copyright ©2018 By M.H. Crawford

Cover Artwork Copyright ©2018 By M. H. Crawford

Cover Art Design by Kevin Lee

Interior Book Design by Ayrika Hunter

All rights reserved. None of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotes in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the author.

If you have purchased this book without a cover, you should be aware that it is considered to be stolen property. Neither the publisher nor the author has received payment for this stripped book.

This is a work of fiction thus all characters are fictional. Any similarities to actual person, living or dead, are purely coincidental.

Print ISBN: 978-1-54-395400-5

eBook ISBN: 978-1-54-395401-2

First Edition.

Printed in the United States of America.

To all those who encouraged me to continue moving forward. This would not exist without you.

Contents

THE TRUTH.

THE LAST BATTLE.

A FUTURE KING.

NEW BEGINNINGS.

STONE BULL’S-EYE.

RACE.

A TREE AND NEVER-ENDING WEALTH.

NITIS’ FUTURE.

A NIGHT AWAY.

TWO PROCLAMATIONS.

SWORDS OF SHIMA.

BIRD OF FLAMES AND PREY.

RUINS OF HEIDAN.

SWORDSMITH AND APPRENTICE.

SUNAMER.

THE PHOENIX CHICK.

MAYAN FESTIVAL.

BALL GAME.

HER SACRIFICE.

A STAG AND PEACEFUL EYES.

FESTIVAL OF FAMILIES.

SUNAMER.

THE PEARL.

THE HIGH COUNCIL.

LOCHEM.

KATALIS.

BATTLE OF CHAISTEM.

BLOOD AND WATER.

DAUGHTER OF MAMEN.

HISTORY TO LEGEND.

1

THE TRUTH.

The Chevelle added to the adventure pulsing through Joel’s veins. It left little room for memories of Cheyenne, the Valley, or his father. The time had come to learn the truth about himself, Pivoncia Poi, and his biological family. Although, Joel wasn’t sure how this inked-up, biker chick would aid in that knowledge.

Despite his very vocal arguments, Joel found himself bitterly sitting in the passenger seat of his own car, while a stranger drove the car he had built with his very own hands. (Bitterness, thanks to his new gift, was a constant battle for him now.)

Joel couldn’t help himself from staring at her tattoos. Greer had shed the leather, mafia jacket revealing the colorful inked sleeves down her arms. Amongst koi fish swimming around her right arm was a single dagger. It seemed similar to the one that Seth had allowed him to fight with. Only the tattoo dagger possessed a single feather tied to the dagger’s handle, and flames danced along the feather’s edge.

Two eyes grabbed his attention as they stared back at him from the center of the dagger’s blade. They reminded him of cat eyes, the haunting eyes of a leopard.

If you take a picture, it’ll last longer, Greer snarled.

Joel quickly turned straight ahead. Sorry, I was just… He didn’t know what else to say. The truth was he was staring. Maybe a picture would help, he thought.

Greer was different from any other woman he knew. A rough edge followed her every move. Her tattoos didn’t cause it. Her anger did. Every word she spoke seemed to be driven by some unspeakable pain or hatred. There was a purpose to her life that she obviously planned on fulfilling. Joel wasn’t sure he wanted to be around when she did.

Greer pulled off the road and entered a side road that led up to a red and white gas station. I’m gonna get a couple of drinks and snacks for us. The Chevelle stopped beside gas pump number 6. Fill up the tank. I’ll pay with your card inside.

Joel selected the highest grade of octane that the station had. The Chevelle needed higher, but it was hard to find it anymore with all the hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles prowling the streets. Once he began pumping the gas, Joel turned to see Greer entering the station. He slid his phone from his pocket, thumbed through his contacts, and called Cheyenne despite the warning sign on the pump that read, Do not use Cell Phone while pumping gas. The electric charge could ignite the fuel.

Hello, Cheyenne’s voice carried through the phone. Joel! It is so good to hear from you!

I don’t have much time. Joel glanced down at his watch. Greer said that she was going to grab some snacks and meet me back in the car.

Okay. Settle down - you called me, remember? Cheyenne’s voice pushed through the phone as strong as ever.

Joel heard her frustration, but even if it wasn’t there, Joel also heard her smile. When she was truly happy, a crack in her voice always came before a smile.

I’m sorry. Have you been able to research Greer’s background? Joel asked.

Yeah. I used that site you gave me yesterday. It’s got everyone on there and all their secrets. With your Dad’s password, we can find out anything about just about anyone. Even past presidents have some incriminating info on there, Cheyenne said. Do you want to know what I found out about J. Edger Hoover?

Let’s get back on track. What did you learn about Greer? Joel asked, while looking at his watch again.

You’re right, but you’re missing out… Okay, there are pictures of Greer throughout history. You aren’t gonna believe this, but there are pics from when photography began. The woman is old, like ancient, Cheyenne said.

Joel drew in a deep breath. Well, that verifies her immortal, Bacealian lifespan. His eyes began to scan the crowd for Greer. What else did you find?

Something a bit disturbing, Cheyenne said.

Go on. Tell me, Joel replied.

There are wanted posters of her on the site. Joel, she is wanted by governments all over the world for everything from identity theft to murder. Cheyenne stopped talking.

Figures, Joel said. And I’m supposed to trust this woman? Joel thought about how to move forward. Should I run? Go back to Cheyenne and the Valley? Or do I continue?

Joel? You still there? Cheyenne asked.

Yeah. I want you to keep digging. Find out more about Greer. The more information that I have about her, the better my chances of survival. Joel caught sight of Greer coming out of the gas station and walking towards the car. She’s coming, but I need to you continue looking into these Bacealian people. Greer said that Bacealian time runs differently than Earth time. I don’t really know what that means, but I do know that they live a long time, if they are not immortal.

Greer had nearly reached the car when Joel heard the Chevelle’s keys jingling in her hand. I have to go. Bye, Cheyenne, Joel said.

Please, be safe. Bye, Joel. I lo… Cheyenne’s voice cut off as Joel hurried to hang up and shove the phone back into his pocket.

Joel swallowed a dry lump forcing the longing he felt for Cheyenne as far down as possible.

You ready to go? Joel asked Greer.

Waiting on you, Greer said.

Joel pulled open the Chevelle’s door. Was Cheyenne about to say that she loves me? He felt more horrified by the thought of those three little words than the murderer sitting next to him. Cheyenne and Joel hadn’t uttered those words to each other yet, but there was no denying how he felt when she spoke. Every nerve ending in his body fired at her voice. If he let himself stare into her eyes, those same nerve endings always paralyzed him immediately after. Joel thought of the gray flakes that radiated throughout her blue eyes. I think I may lov…

Hey! Greer’s voice disrupted his private thoughts. What have ya been doing? Ya seem off in another world.

Joel hoped Greer didn’t know of his conversation. If she was the murderer that the internet said she was, he had to divert any thought that may be going through her mind. Besides there was one question that drove his heart and their journey. There was one question that could silence his feelings for Cheyenne. So, where do we find my mother?

You miss your mum do ya? Greer stared at him as if he was a toddler crying for his mother.

I… a… Just wondered where we are going first. His words stopped as he noticed the sign that read West Gates Medical Center. What are we doing here?

Today is the day that you learn of the mess we are in. Up to this point, ignorance has been your bliss. Greer released a chuckle.

Joel paused. What mess?

Greer pulled around to the hospital’s back loading dock and turned off the Chevelle. Joel watched as she opened the door, stepped out, and wrapped her leather jacket around her shoulders.

Wait! Joel followed her lead and got out of the Chevelle. Wait. What mess are we in? We took care of Frau.

Greer stared at the hospital loading dock and spoke without giving Joel a look. Frau was a spoiled, arrogant fool! Killing him was preschool compared to… She literally bit her lip as if saying the person’s name was more painful than the drop of blood collecting around her teeth. We have to fix the problem that your parents created, but first, you have to know what that problem is. She smiled as a figure materialized from the shadows onto the loading dock.

I am glad to see that you have arrived. The man’s voice carried through the shadows. Everything is ready. Just follow me. His figure disappeared almost immediately as he turned and vanished into the hospital.

Come on, Greer commanded.

Joel was too stuck on the man’s voice to care that Greer barked her command. He knew that voice, but from where? It connected with the hospital. He must have heard the man during one of his two visits. The problem was that his injuries somehow left a fog where the man should have been in his memories.

Once on the loading dock, Joel followed Greer between mounds of boxes marked Syringes and Biohazard. The biohazard sign hung over a large, red, plastic bin. He couldn’t help himself as he peered inside to see bloody needles piled on top of each other. The smell had to have been imagined, but he almost smelled the blood. A salty, rusted, metallic scent drifted into his nose and over his taste buds. This was quickly followed by vomit flavored tacos as his lunch requested a second visit.

Greer and Joel followed the man into a lighted hallway. It wasn’t the bright and sterile environment that he was used to. The light above them burned as if by emergency power, flickering and casting shadows in all directions. It did, however, produce enough light for Joel to see the man’s white coat as he led them.

He’s a doctor? Joel said to himself as thoughts of haunted hospitals and mental asylums filled his mind. Why are we down here? Nothing about this place feels sterile. Joel looked to Greer, who appeared fully on track with the doctor. She even had an intent look in her eyes, like she would learn some unspoken truth for herself.

After walking down the longest hallway that Joel had ever seen, the doctor turned to point them into a room. The gray-flickering light caught the man’s face enough to reveal his identity.

Joel walked into the room and whispered to Greer, I know that guy. Oh, really, Greer replied.

Yeah. He was the doctor that treated a concussion that Seth gave me. Embarrassment pushed through his veins as his cheeks flushed red. Seth had left him bruised on more occasions than he wanted to admit. Then, he remembered how his father hated the good doctor.

A rage began at the pit of Joel’s stomach. This guy wanted to pick my brain apart like a rat in a lab, but Dad stopped him. The pain of his father’s death burned within Joel.

Why are we here? Joel growled at Greer and then turned to see his gift betraying sores on the doctor’s face. And why is he here?

The doctor spoke up, I told you he wouldn’t like me here.

You’re damn right! Joel’s eyes bounced between Greer and the doctor. What are we doing here?

Like I said, you need to learn what happened to Baceal before we can fix it.

You keep saying that, but why would I want to fix it? I can only remember the last twelve years of my life. Everything I have ever known included my ‘Dad’, who is now dead because of Bacealians. Tell me why should I care if your precious world gets fixed?

Greer’s eyes narrowed, and she nearly whispered the words, Because it’s all your fault.

The words jabbed at Joel’s heart. My fault?

Well, yes and no…, Greer responded. If you were never conceived, our world would still be open. Bacealians could move across worlds and not be shut out of their homes. Your mother and father would be happy. Even Kevin O’Brien would still be alive.

The weight of guilt settled onto his shoulders. How can a child be the cause of so much pain by just existing? he thought.

Look. There is a way to fix this, I believe. First, you need to know what happened, Greer said, and you need to see it for yourself. And how do you suppose we do that? Joel asked.

Dr. Holtz has been monitoring the health of Bacealians for decades. He is a doctor for you people? Joel asked.

Yes, but ‘you people’ includes you. Remember that you are Bacealian as well.

The doctor stepped forward and spoke, Your father consulted with me a few times about your own health.

Liar! He didn’t even like you! Joel said.

There is something you need to listen to. Dr. Holtz took his phone from his pocket and held it up to Joel.

A refreshing voice came from it. Kevin O’Brien. Instantly, comfort found Joel. Since his father’s death, he felt alone, like no one had his back. That feeling vanished as his father’s words began.

Hey, buddy. If you are listening to this, I don’t know what happened or where I am for that matter. But I know you are Bacealian. Actually, I have known for some time now. I am so sorry for not telling you. I just couldn’t. Please, forgive me. Dr. Holtz is on your side. His family has helped yours for a long time. Sometimes that’s hard for me because I am not your true family. If you are with him, that means you need him. Trust him. I do… with your life.

The message ended bringing back the loneliness that has filled every moment since his father’s death.

There is only one way to learn the truth, Greer said.

What would that be? Joel asked.

This. Greer pulled out a syringe from a hard-black case that rested on the examining table.

What’s that? Suspicion rose within Joel.

It’s something that will allow you to see everything that happened to your father and grandfather. Their experiences led to the problem we are in today. It will seem like a dream, and you will have a new memory that is actually not yours at all. She stared into the clear drug filling the syringe with wonder in her eyes.

Why should I trust you? Joel asked.

I can’t answer that question, but both your father and Seth asked you to trust us. Greer flicked the syringe to send an air bubble out through the needle.

Joel stared at the syringe wondering if it were some poison. How do I trust anyone? My own father lied to me. If she is right, I will learn the truth and make something out of his death. If she is lying and I go along with this, I may end up with him. Wherever that maybe. Okay…

The doctor went to work booting up all the equipment. Mechanical chimes and flat lines filled the air.

Good, Greer said. Now lay down on the table.

Reluctantly Joel did as he was told, and the doctor connected leads all over his body syncing him to the monitors. Then, he placed a port into Joel’s right arm.

Before you go under, you need to know that Earth time moves over 77.7 times the speed of Baceal. The time lag will be very confusing. Greer strapped his wrists and ankles to the table and pulled them tight.

What are the straps for? Joel asked.

To keep you safe in case you struggle, the doctor said as he stared at the monitor that began to display Joel’s heartbeats.

Greer checked the syringe one more time for air and then aimed for Joel’s IV port.

Joel fought to restrain himself when his subconscious screamed, NOOOO.

The moment that the meds entered Joel’s arm nothing happened. He had half-expected some intense jolt of pain. What was supposed to happen? Joel asked.

I am not sure how it will affect you. Greer turned to the doctor, who nodded that all the instruments were working fine. It looks like everything is…

Greer’s words turned to gel in his mind. Joel could see her mouth moving, but only a muted mush passed through his ears. The meds must have taken affect because a chill drifted into his veins. The chill grew as it moved up his arm. Joel realized where the chill was headed. To my heart! He tried to struggle, but the restraints did their job all too well. They dug deep into his wrists as he fought.

What am I doing? Thoughts screamed within him. What has she done to me? Joel turned to see a satisfied grin crossing Greer’s face. He wondered if Seth had trusted the wrong person. Is she with Frau?

The drug-induced chill continued towards Joel’s heart, but it began to feel as if something was pulling it forward. His heart was welcoming it. With each pump, it drew the chill closer. His fingers and hand seemed to fall asleep behind the chill. After it reached his shoulder, his entire arm fell asleep.

Joel struggled to scream, but nothing rose from his lips. He saw glimpses of Greer and the doctor studying the instruments. He wanted to break the straps and run back to the Valley and to Cheyenne. Why did I leave?

Along with the numbness, a heavy weight followed the sleep. His right hand wouldn’t struggle anymore, but he still had his left. Joel twisted and turned his left hand until he found the latch. He squeezed his finger under it and released the strap.

At once, Greer was on him pulling his hand back into place, but he freed his hand. He only saw glimpses of the struggle, yet Joel managed to roll his hand into a fist.

If I am going down, she’s coming with me! He thought.

With every ounce of remaining strength, Joel threw his fist at her face. He prepared himself for the impact that never came. Greer simply turned her head and allowed his fist to go by. His hand fell onto her shoulder hanging on her shirt’s collar.

How did she move that fast? Joel thought. Has the drug taken over completely? A weight pressed down on him as his body failed to respond to his commands.

The drug began to inch into his chest. There was no stopping it now. He would be out soon. He would either die or learn the truth. Joel’s hand began to fall back pulling her shirt’s collar down. As it fell, a tattoo revealed itself just underneath her collar bone.

Seth’s coin. Katalis.

The chill blitzed his heart causing the world to slow down around him. A sudden horror crossed his mind. I am being locked inside myself. The thought barely made any sense, but he felt like a prisoner in his own body. Escape was impossible.

His heart joined his arm and began to fall asleep. It slowed to one last conscious pump that sent the chill to his brain. Darkness spread over the room. Greer and the good doctor vanished along with their instruments.

Joel was now locked into his prison of darkness. If Greer had wanted him away from Pivoncia Poi, she had successfully done the job. He was stuck in an empty void. Alone.

She could’ve just killed me, Joel thought. But no, she wanted me to suffer alone…

Seth’s words spoke into his memory, Trust Greer.

I shouldn’t have, Joel thought. I should have never left Cheyenne. Joel began to remember his father and the Valley that burned to the ground.

The faces of all the hotel staff followed him. He remembered the pain in their eyes as the hotel fell and his father died. Ashes washed down their faces as they cried. And Joel chose revenge over comforting them, over leading them.

His guilt grew. The memory became so vivid that he could almost smell the ashes and hear the crackle as the fire finished its meal. Even the sound of horses neighing met him in the darkness. But as far as he remembered, there were no horses in the Valley.

Light began to grow around him, and he noticed that smoke surrounded him. Memories of the Valley, Cheyenne, and his father disappeared from existence along with his own identity.

2

THE LAST BATTLE.

Charred pieces of tree limbs floated throughout the massive army. Each man wore the helm of his father and stood strong, ready for victory. The only sounds were the neighs of horses and crackles of burning trees until he spoke.

Today, we will end this war!

A red battle flag tossed in the wind tattered by past battles. Sewn within it was a golden leaf, and beneath it rode a king.

This is our home! His voice rose over the men. No longer will they try to take it from us!

Shouts from the opposing army carried over the hill and across the field. This is our land now! They jeered at the men.

Do not listen to them. Our children and wives lay hidden from these men. Forced from their homes, they now live in caves. The king’s eyes narrowed with anger, and he tightened his reins as an attempt to contain it. Will you stand for them?

Yeah!!! The men erupted.

Will you fight for them? their leader asked.

Yeah!!!

Will you die for those you love? The king’s jaw tightened as he clenched his teeth.

Bows, shields, and swords rose towards the smoky sky, Nai Baceal Thoua Pneme. They shouted the words of their ancestors, To Baceal, I give my life!

For our world! For Baceal! For our people! Like his people’s, the king’s sword rose. The smoke-filled sky reflected off its brilliance.

A flag caught his glance within the shallow river that wound towards the opposing army. Just days earlier, the armies of Earth had taken the royal city of Valsi, and its fallen flag sat beneath the water. Currents of malice and pain flowed across the banner of hope.

The king’s blood boiled at the sight and memories of his pregnant wife pierced his heart.

Will my child reign as I have? Or will he work as a slave? The thought haunted him, but he was a man of wisdom. My child will REIGN!!! Certain, King Melgan’s grasp tightened around his sword.

Forward, men! The captain of Earth’s army positioned his forces across the field.

A low rumble rolled over the battlefield, and Bacealians felt the gallop of Earth’s horses. Helms of gold and silver came into view as the men reached the hilltop.

Nai Baceal Thoua Pneme! Nai Baceal Thoua Pneme! The Bacealian cry continued! As they stomped their feet, waves of thunder quaked the battlefield.

War charged against them, and they pushed their fear aside. If Baceal was to remain, the war had to end today.

At the front of Earth’s infantry sat a battle-scarred general. His horse had seen many a fight and bore the scars as well. The man lifted a black flag, and his men fell silent.

For a moment, the Bacealians followed their lead awaiting the attack. The sky fell darker than by smoke alone. A cloud of arrows soared towards the Bacealian troops.

In the sky!!! shouted the leader of the Bacealian armies.

They quickly hid behind their shields. Although many of the arrows were deflected, some found their mark lowering the number of soldiers. For a time, mortal moans filled the air as the men fell, but those who survived took up their fallen soldier’s resolve and raised their voices in ferocious reverence. Archers! In retaliation, General Omei prepared his strike. Aim!

Four