Fortitude Rising Volume One: The Magical Bond Series, #1

By A.M. Bochnak

Evolution threatens magic.

Ebony is the key to reversing the flaw that weakens all of humankind.

It's her life or war.

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"A studiously chilling post-apocalyptic tale." —Kirkus Review 

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Ebony has spent her entire life isolated on an island institution run by her father, Dr. Hunter. She's unaware of the war brewing in the city as the non-magical human population start to outnumber those who still possess magic.

Her father is attempting to use her magical abilities to reverse the threat to magic, but when he forces her to push harder, her body weakens. Desperate to escape, Ebony is willing to trust complete strangers if they can help her find a way out.

But what if those strangers came to kill her?

Connor and his group of rebels disguise themselves as test subjects to infiltrate the institute and stop Dr. Hunter. Their goal – to kill Ebony and her friends. Connor's mission to kill her is halted when he realizes Ebony is a pawn, albeit a powerful pawn, in her father's game.

Ebony must decide how much her escape is worth to her and to the lives of her closest friends.

Should she join forces with the man who came to kill her or continue being tortured by her father? Hard choices are never easy to make, and every choice has consequences.

Isolated… Manipulated… Endless experimentation. Join Ebony in this evolutionary nightmare that will keep you guessing what will happen next.

Riveting... Disturbing... Intense...

A post-apocalyptic / dystopian story about an alternate world of magic and betrayal.  Trust is questioned, loyalty is tested, and the fate of magic is on the line.

Buy it today! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.M. Bochnak
• Release date: Jun 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781948169028

Book preview

Chapter One

Spring 2031: Day 1, Late Tuesday

Freedom is a dangerous right to fight for and if won, there’s no guarantee it will bring happiness. Ebony Hunter fought her father for her freedom, nonetheless.

She tilted her head towards the stars above and took in a deep breath of fresh air. A light breeze blew her long black hair behind her, sending a shiver down her spine. If she had changed before teleporting to the lighthouse, she wouldn’t be so cold. She looked down at her shirt, still damp with blood from her training session with her father.

Another request for some freedom gone bad.

She came to the lighthouse when she needed to escape her father and his unreasonable demands on her magic. It was her quiet place, tucked away on the opposite end of the island. Outside her own visits, there were no signs that another soul had been here in years. Its purpose and use long forgotten. The lighthouse was hers and hers alone.

The constant surveillance in the main compound kept her nerves on edge and she couldn’t relax, not like she could when she was here. She felt the eyes watching her every minute of every day. Her father knew her every move. Or so he thought. She worried he would discover her visits to the lighthouse. No matter how careful she was, he always seemed to be one step ahead of her. The lighthouse was worth the risk though. She needed it to escape her prison and feel free, even for a brief moment.

Ebony found the last remaining dry spot on the front of her shirt and held it over her nose. Her defiance towards her father was not helping. She already struggled with her magic and this put too much strain on her. She leaned over the railing to gaze at the city off in the distance. A faint mist, fed by the cold evening air, was creeping across the river blanketing the reflection of the city lights. She loved the city skyline and how the soft warm glow of bright skyscrapers and flashing billboards dampened the darkness. She longed to walk among the skyscrapers and breathe in the glory of the city. She fantasized about how wonderfully freeing it would be in the city’s streets with no one constantly watching her every move and pushing her magic beyond its limits.

Her father would never let her leave this island. He never let her leave the main compound of the institution. If he knew she came here, he would tear down the lighthouse. It was for her own safety he said, when she asked. That was a lie. It was so he could control her, manage her the way he saw fit. He treated her like the broken, eleven-year-old girl who just lost her mother. He never saw her for the grown woman she had become.

Her chest tightened, fighting back the tears threatening to fill her eyes. Her memories of her mother had faded over the years, and she struggled to recall her face. She remembered her smile; her mother always smiled. It was the bright, radiating smile that drew people in. Some say Ebony inherited her smile, but she didn’t inherit the same comfortable ease her mother had with others. She lacked the comforting hugs and tender words that drew people to her mother. With more vivid memories of her mother rushing back, Ebony shook her head to clear the thoughts and stop the tears she knew would come if she didn’t end it now.

It was her mother who named her special magical ability. Her mother described her magic to her as an advanced form of telekinesis. She called it Evanescence. Anybody of the Magical Bond could move objects around with their mind. Ebony could make objects disappear and reappear somewhere else. No one else could do that. Ebony’s true gift, however, was her ability to teleport herself, a skill even the strongest Magical Bond didn’t possess. Unfortunately, her magical well was shallow and using her advanced skills weakened her body.

She looked up at the sky and frowned at its darkness. The only lights shining near this side of the island were the stars and skyline in the distance. The fog subsided, as the night air cooled the river’s surface. Without the fog, she could see the full reflection of the city lights illuminating the river. She wished she could see more stars, but they were hidden behind a glowing blanket created by the city lights. They masked her view of the stars even from this tiny island seated in the middle of the river. Ebony dreamed of running away to someplace without light pollution where she could see stars and constellations like the pictures in books. A dream she wished on almost as much as her dream of standing amongst those city lights.

She scanned the East River knowing she should head back soon. That’s when she saw a boat heading in her direction. The darkness made it difficult to see with certainty, but it looked like it was heading straight for the island.

She never saw a boat this close to the island at night before. Not once in all the years she’d been sneaking out to the lighthouse, nor from the vast windows from her quarters. She often saw boats traverse the river off in the distance, but they never came anywhere near the island. The only boats that ever docked were the weekly supply boats, but they came in the mornings. She watched it closely, not daring to take her eyes off it once. She was afraid to even blink; afraid that if she did blink, it would disappear as if it never existed. She wanted the boat to be real, not an illusion.

It soon became clear the boat was heading for the western dock, almost dead center of the island. The island was small and oblong. From her vantage point in the abandoned lighthouse, she could see the main compound on the opposite end where her father and friends were sleeping. More buildings belonging to the institution were clustered in the island’s middle and spanned the distance to the main compound. There weren’t any buildings next the lighthouse, but it was only a short walk to the center.

She didn’t know the last time the beacon was lit; she assumed before her lifetime. If someone looked in her direction, it was unlikely they would see her standing at the top. The only source of light around her came from the soft glow of the city and the moon hovering overhead. The moonlight alone wasn’t enough to push back the shadows.

A spotlight flashed over the approaching boat and she could see the writing on the side. It read SUM Transport Vessel. Ebony’s breath caught in her throat. That boat belonged to the institution. That had to stand for Scientific Understanding of Magic, the name of this Institute. It didn’t look like the supply boats. This boat was different.

She leaned over the railing, focused on the boat until it reached the dock. So much so, she hadn’t noticed the men waiting for it to arrive until one of them yelled.

You’re late, where have you been?

You can go collecting next time if you think you can do it faster, a gruff voice answered from the boat. You think this is a walk in the park?

She stepped back into the shadows, leaning into the wall, making sure she was out of view and hidden. She held her breath and waited until she was certain they had not seen her standing there.

She watched from the shadows. It took several minutes for the men to tie it up and start unloading its cargo. People. Why were people coming off the boat, and why so many? Ebony targeted her energy on them, attempting to teleport her mind without taking her body, another one of her powerful skills. She used it to scan areas for others before teleporting or to spy on her father, and it benefitted her many times. This time, however, her power failed her. Her knees buckled, and her head started to pound. She was too weak; her body hadn’t recovered from her earlier training session. Being outside also made it tougher for her. There was too much open space. She needed the confines of walls to focus her power. She sensed their presence, their unhappiness and fear, nothing more.

It took a long time for them to unload. They were linked together, a rope or chain tied between each one. A long, narrow ramp connected the dock and the boat. They sullenly shuffled unable to take large steps because their feet were shackled together. The ramp wobbled several times as they unloaded. Ebony held her breath, waiting for them to fall over into the river but it never happened. They looked like prisoners. Why would prisoners be brought to the institution? This was a place of learning and research.

They were led to one of the smaller buildings in the middle of the island. Ebony had no idea what was in that building, or any of the other buildings for that matter. There were at least ten buildings besides the main compound. It never occurred to her to try going into any of them. She watched until the last person was inside. Thirty in all.

Her anger towards her father grew stronger. He had to know about these people and why they were here. He was the director of the institution. Seeing these people in chains made her doubt her father more. She already didn’t trust him and now this. There was no reason for people to be brought here in chains.

Ebony slowly slid down the wall to a seated position, trying to make sense of what she witnessed. She longed to talk to someone about her powers, her pain, her father’s agenda. If only there was someone she could tell about the boat and the people she saw. She reached out with her powers to feel for another living being. Nothing. Pushing her powers further and radiating farther from the lighthouse she still couldn’t find a soul. Out here in the open, her powers failed her. She felt utterly alone.

Chapter Two

One Week Earlier

Connor Vance stretched his hands above his head and gripped his wrist, pulling on his arm. The knot in his neck didn’t budge. He paced to the back of the room, taking in slow and steady breaths, slapping his face with each step. He regretted his decision to stay up all night. It probably wouldn’t have mattered anyway as sleep eluded him with the arrival of the map.

The council meeting started soon, and it would be a tough one. He needed to be alert and prepared to stand a chance convincing them this mission was critical. It didn’t matter if he was their leader, the council’s support, and their majority vote, was required by rule to get the Order’s full cooperation. It would take everybody to bring down the Federation. His informant finally gave him the map with the locations of the Enhanced. This information would help him win the vote that would ignite the rebellion. The nation needed peace, and it would take a rebellion to bring that peace.

Until now, all he had were rumors and hearsay from people who claimed to be collectors for SUM or who were defectors ready to join the rebellion. He had no way of verifying their information, no way of knowing if what they said was true. He demanded physical evidence of the layout of the Institute and the activities that defined its existence from his informant. A courier delivered that evidence yesterday.

Connor stood over the map of Research Island. It covered the entire surface of the large conference table in the meeting room. He’d stayed up all night studying this map and the other documents that arrived with it. He memorized every building, its size, number of entrances and location. The purpose of some of the buildings was unknown; only a few were labeled. The documents also described some of the trials that were being conducted on the island but did not tell where they occurred.

Hey man. Ness Kent walked through the door, stopping next to Connor. How's it going?

I'm tired. Connor dropped back in his chair, clinching his hands together as he stretched his arms back above his head. I was up all night, and I still don’t feel prepared.

You’re ready. Don’t sweat it.

I wish all the buildings were labeled. I’ve no way of matching up these descriptions.

At least we know which one’s the main compound. Ness leaned over his shoulder and pointed to the long building on the south end of the island. We know enough. We’ll be fine.

I’d be more confident if we had actual design drawings for these buildings. We need this vote.

And we’ll get it. Ness patted him on the back.

Let’s hope. He let out a deep breath.

Here, man. You need coffee. Ness sat a mug in front of him. And food. When’s the last time you ate?

Last night’s dinner.

That wasn’t eating. I saw how little you ate. Good thing I brought breakfast, too. He pulled a bagel out of his bag and tossed it to Connor. Eat before the others arrive.

Thanks. Connor scooted his chair closer to the table and took a big bite. He sighed as he swallowed. This is good. I feel better already.

Ness smiled, flashing his teeth at him. Connor was grateful for Ness, his oldest friend. His only friend to be truthful. He always knew what to say and do to give him the confidence he needed to plow through. They met eleven years ago when they were both sixteen. They joined the Order within days of each other and first became friends out of convenience. Neither knew anyone, so they latched together. As time passed, their friendship grew into a brotherhood, a bond as strong as any. He could always count on Ness.

Come on, man, Ness said calmly, almost a whisper. We have an hour before the council meeting. Let's get some fresh air. You won’t learn anything new from that map in an hour.

Connor started to object, but his restless legs could use a good stretch. A walk and fresh air would do him good. He stood, giving into his friend. I suppose you have a point.

*      *      *

Connor stopped in the doorway of the conference room. Damn it, they’re early. The other five members of the council were seated around the table examining the map. Why did he let Ness convince him to go all the way to the park? He wanted to go over the map and the mission one more time before the council arrived. Today was his only shot at this. Everything hung on their yes vote. He had to convince them.

He looked around the room, every pair of eyes turned to him. Their faces covered with doubt and concern, especially Marc Rollins. Marc represented one half of the Common Blood membership. He and Elle Glover were the loudest voice for change and his greatest challenge. The other five council members were Magical Bond: Katrina Hicks, Nola Adkins, Silka Massey, Ness Kent and himself.

Marc glared down his nose at Connor and leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. Connor ignored him and took his position at the head of the table, the map’s edge unfurled over the edge. The main compound stared up at him as he settled into his stance and prepared to speak. If anyone would sabotage the meeting, it was Marc.

Hello everyone. Connor paused, making eye contact with each member. What an unlikely group of allies. Abuse and oppression brought them together, hope kept them partners.

We all know why we’re here. Let’s get started. Yesterday afternoon we received this map of Research Island and documents detailing some of their trials. With this, we can execute the mission. All boats arrive at this dock. Connor leaned forward and rested his finger on the map.

Whoa, whoa, Marc interrupted, his arm cutting the air. Back it up, Connor. We need to agree on the mission first.

Connor stiffened. Here we go. Marc was ready to fight.

Remind us what it is you propose to do.

Connor nodded and smiled at Marc. He didn’t want to fight, fighting would only divide them. He couldn’t risk losing any of their support, not even Marc’s. We know that SUM has been gathering test subjects. They’ve been conducting weekly collections for a few years now, mostly from homeless shelters. We know they’re looking for strong, healthy test subjects. They also need powerful Magical Bond and that’s what they’re struggling to find. That’s why myself, Ness, Kat and Nola are the ones going. The collectors won’t be able to resist taking us.

How can you be sure they’ll take all four of you? Marc asked.

Have you seen the homeless lately? Connor said. Most of them are barely hanging onto life and Common Blood. We’ll stand out.

Marc shook his head no, resting his elbows on the table. You can’t guarantee that they’ll take you. Or that they won’t take you out back and shoot you because they know you’re Order members. It’s too risky.

Connor leaned forward, shortening the distance between Marc and him. We accept that risk.

The council hasn’t accepted anything. The Order needs you all alive.

Our lives are worth the risk. If we succeed, we ignite the rebellion and we end this. Connor’s voice cracked in a high pitch. He held his eyes steady on Marc as he spoke.

No! Marc stood, slamming his fist on the table. You’re no good to us dead.

No one will die! Connor matched Marc’s actions. I’ll make sure of that.

There’s no way you can guarantee that. Marc yelled, throwing his hands in the air and slamming his chair backwards.

Enough! Yelling like this will get us nowhere. Sit down and shut up.

There was so much anger and hatred in Marc’s actions. Hatred was the disease that infected everyone around them, spreading fast and feeding the war. He couldn’t let himself feed that further. He turned his back towards the group. Calm down, man. He had to get at least five votes and pissing Marc off would not ensure that result. He could not afford to lose his temper.

How will you get to the island? Connor relaxed slightly at the sound of Silka’s voice. Her voice was always calm and soothing no matter the situation.

Connor faced Silka, she was smiling and nodding for him to continue. By boat. It’s scheduled to leave next Tuesday, and we’ll be on it.

Connor glanced around the room, waiting. No one spoke; Marc sat glaring from his chair. Living quarters are in the main compound right here. Connor pointed and met Marc’s stare. All testing is conducted here, too. This is where we’ll find the Enhanced. There are four of them. Once we identify them and confirm their powers, we need to learn their motives. Killing them may be our best option.

We can’t kill four strangers, Marc let out a grumbling sound through his teeth. We know nothing about them.

Connor closed his eyes and dropped his head into his hands. We know plenty. Their magical abilities are enhanced somehow. They’re much stronger than any of us. SUM has been experimenting on them for years, some since birth.

Then let’s capture them, make them work for us.

We’ve no reason to believe they’d even consider becoming an ally, Connor said. It’s too much power. SUM plans to use their power to destroy us all. That’s why we discussed killing them. It's a sacrifice that needs to be made.

I’m not convinced killing them is the right option. Marc snapped, leaning forward in Connor’s direction. But that isn’t the issue. We can’t afford to sacrifice you guys. I can’t support this mission and no one else should either.

I get it. I really do, Connor whispered. He hung his head low. There was truth behind Marc’s words. If they failed, the Order would have no one. We need to level the playing field. Killing them does just that. We’ll never win by stealing what they’ve created. That’ll only cause them to take more drastic measures.

Killing them is cruel and harsh. There has to be another way.

Then what do you propose? Objecting without providing alternative solutions isn’t helping the rebellion. We have to end this. Imagine what would happen to the Common Blood if Magical Bonds are enhanced with potentially endless power. They would be eradicated. It’s only a matter of time until they target the Diluted. They’ll kill everyone except the Pure.

All you have are theories. Marc pointed in Connor’s direction. None of us know what will happen. We don’t have enough information to go through with this mission of yours. We have to come up with a different plan.

This is the only plan. Connor pinched his lips tight; he yelled louder than he intended. The time to strike is now. I understand everyone's hesitation, but we cannot lose this advantage. I don't want to kill anyone. But if killing a few results in a better future for the many, then I’ll kill the few with or without your help. He couldn’t handle too much more of this. He knew what this meant, and he would have to live with this decision for the rest of his life.

So, what you’re saying, Marc yelled, is you’re going to do whatever you want despite the council’s decision?

I’ll do what has to be done.

Then why are we even here?

Because I need your help. Connor gripped the arm rests on his chair and gritted his teeth. This will not be an easy mission. We need to know what the Enhanced can do and if necessary, take them out. I cannot go alone.

Then enough talk. Marc’s face was red. Connor kept his eyes down, but he could feel Marc’s eyes burning through his skull. Let's vote and see where everyone stands. Majority rules.

Fine, we vote. Connor stood tall with his arms crossed over his chest. This decides it. No more questioning. No more discussion. All those in favor of moving forward with the mission as discussed, raise your hand.

Connor, Ness, Katrina, and Elle raised their hands. The others shook their heads no. Connor dropped his head. He needed five votes.

Nola, Connor quivered, his jaw dropped. You’ve been with us all along. Why now?

There’s gotta be another way. Her head was down, and she was fiddling with the hem of her shirt. We cannot risk losing you guys.

Well, that settles it. Marc had a huge grin on his face. No mission.

We’ll see about that. Connor stood, gathered his things and rushed out the door.

Chapter Three

Day 2, Early Wednesday Morning

Ebony jolted to a sitting position. The sound of the soft breeze was whistling through the cracked glass of the lantern room windows above her head. Her joints were stiff, and she shivered as she tried to stand. The blood that soaked her clothes now clung to her skin thanks to the dampness of the night air. She had no idea how much time passed since she saw the boat. She hadn't intended on staying much longer, only a few minutes more. She fell asleep. It was still dark; the sun had not yet risen, but it must be close to morning.

She focused her power on her quarters and sensed her father was there. Shit, she whispered. She shifted her powers to the hallway outside her door and sensed no one was present, confirming it was safe to teleport. There was no way she was going to give away the secret of her power to her father because she made a mistake.

She opened the door to her quarters and saw her father pacing in front of the window. The look in his eyes shot right through her. Where in the hell of have you've been? Dr. Hunter demanded.

I fell asleep in the library. Ebony closed the door gently and strolled to the kitchen as if she did this every day.

Try again. I had the library searched, and no one found you.

I was all the way in the back, in a small private alcove.

No, you weren’t. We would have found you.

Obviously not. It's quiet back there and hard to find. Just the way I like it. She tried her best to act nonchalant. If she overreacted, her father would also overreact. Her only hope of getting out of this without punishment was to stay calm.

I demand to know where you were. He was standing next to her now, towering over her. He was a good foot taller than her. She could see his eyes were bloodshot and his mostly grey hair was a mess. He must’ve been up all night.

You demand to know where I was? she chuckled.

Where were you?

I told you, the library.

"For the last time, where were