Outlaw Oracle: Sword & Spirit, #2

By J.S. Worth

Killing a Warlock isn't easy. Just ask Eli.

Fortunately, he has three powerful allies -- each with the ability to Sense Beyond.

First there's Dihya McClagen, Civil War refugee, Oracle, and warrior. A young woman out of time, tied to many worlds but at home in none.

Bleak visions of possible futures make her wary of looking ahead. When left with no other choice, will she see her darkest fears?

Then there's Sarah Brannon, Eli's best friend and possibly more. Bright, beautiful, and half-human, she guides them through a wasteland of slumbering death.

But can her budding powers get them safely through?

And finally there's Ai Ting, a gambler full of regrets, but also sacred poetry. With a penchant for brazen risks, she sees the world as a high stakes poker game.

Does she dare bet everything on the cards they've been dealt?

Because the future of seven realms hangs in the balance. The Time of Reckoning is at hand -- when doorways to all the worlds can be reopened.

Read book two of this thrilling fantasy series where blood betrayals and legendary realms collide with a modern backwoods Georgia.

Elijah Hatton: Elven Prince by birth, Southern by the grace of God!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fiction Worth Reading
• Release date: May 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781393874942

Book preview

1- Into the clear liquid

Xal’s blast met with a spinning blade of metal and flame.

The impact knocked the sword from Eli’s hands. Sent him flying backwards across the street. The heartstone’s power dissipated skyward in a thousand directions. Eli sprawled on his back, heard the sword clattering on the asphalt to finally lie motionless. Its flames extinguished.

The Warlock abandoned the hatch, marching straight for the sword. Everything he needed was now within reach.

Eli's head was turned to one side, his cheek flat against the pavement.  He opened his eyes and found the world blurred and doubled. Catching movement in his unfocused center of vision, he blinked, but everything remained indistinct.  All he could tell was that a dark figure approached. He watched helpless as the Warlock reached down and picked up the Lahat Khehreb.

Now, said Xal. I take this world and rule it from my throne in Ejnerehl.

Eli struggled to right himself, rolling over and pushing up with his arms.  But he could only get up on his knees. His entire body ached, as he held his torso up, with arms outstretched and his palms on the asphalt. Then he heard the clattering of hooves, as every surviving Deagasus surrounded its master. Even Xal’s crippled one lifted itself on broken legs and managed to hobble closer. Eli saw boots stop near his head, then felt metal against his chin as Xal used the flat of the sword to lift his face.

Can’t tell if you’re grinnin’ at me, Eli said. Got some fierce double vision goin’ on, so can’t exactly see your stupid face.

"I do not need you to see me, Xal replied. So I suppose I will proceed."

Go ahead, then, said Eli. But you oughta know those feet stink to high heaven. Can smell 'em right through your boots. Might wanna wash 'em. Eli was throwing out one crazy line after another. Stalling for time.

Xal went to his steed and reached into a saddlebag. He came out with a flask of moonshine. Dousing himself, the blade, and then Eli with the Uisce Beatha, the Warlock raised the sword and began his incantation.

Thanks. That moonshine drowns out those feet, said Eli. But I don't quite follow what your sayin’. Sounds like pig latin. Alxay ucksay? Is that what you’re sayin’? ‘Cause that’s what I’m hearin’. Then he laughed.

The Warlock fumbled his words. Then he kicked Eli in the face to shut him up. It worked. The boy was completely unconscious. Xal began again, uttering the spell, he closed his eyes in concentration and raised the sword to strike.

IN AN INSTANT SHEKINAH was crouched beside Eli. Sensing her presence, the Warlock opened his eyes and hastily rattled off the spell.  She touched the boy's head and tapped her walking cane, transporting them away in a cloud of electric blue.  The blade sliced through the air too late.

NOOOOOOOOOO!!! XAL’S scream echoed off the buildings and down the street. With Eli now safely away, gunfire erupted and arrows began raining down from both sides of the street.

Though it would not flame for him, the Warlock was adept enough and the Lahat Khehreb sturdy enough to deflect the bullets and arrows. He threw out another shield, large enough to encompass his herd.  While the bullets and arrows dissolved against it, he pulled aside his cloak and shoved the sword into his belt. Then he took a long rope from his saddlebag and tied the reins of each steed to it, so that they were linked, one after the other.

He held out the arm bearing Hank’s technology and pressed the series of buttons that would re-open the portal. The vortex began swirling before him, opening wide. He looked back and screamed at them all. Tell the son of Arehldja, when I return for him, I will bring enough warriors to kill every one of you.

Xal grabbed his crippled mount, still burdened down with the Uisce Beatha, and dragged it by the mane toward the portal. He walked through, his hobbled beast limping in behind—the hooves were left behind on the road, yet it still could move on legs broken at the shin.  Then every other Deagasus followed, single file. When the last one passed through, the vortex blinked from existence, and the shield shimmered away to nothing.

SHEKINAH HAD REAPPEARED next to Joe, two blocks from where the Warlock disappeared. She let Joe support his son’s head, while she reached into her shawl for a vial. Good thing you kept a stash of this down in the bunker, she said, unscrewing the lid.

Is he gonna make it? Joe was worried and rattled from the gunfire.

Just hold up his head, Joseph. He’s going to be fine. Shekinah put the vial to Eli’s lips and tilted it. A tiny clear stream slid between the young man's lips. Within moments his eyes blinked open.

So we defeated him, right? Eli touched his head. Hey where’s my hat.

Well, said Shekinah, helping him to his feet. When you were knocked backward, it provided a little cushion to your head. But when Xal kicked you, I think it was then that it shook loose and tumbled down the street.

So the answer is no. We didn’t defeat him, said Eli.

Joe smiled. We defeated him. You’re alive. All his dead zombie things are...well, I reckon they’re dead for good this time.

They are, said Shekinah. And I would also call it a win.

But the sword, started Eli.

We’ll get it back, said Joe.

CLETUS WAS THE FIRST to reach them. Figure you might want your hat. He held it out to Eli.

Thanks, Cletus. Eli took and straightened the misshapen Stetson. He started to press it back into place, but then looked at Joe and said, Daddy, you know I appreciate the gesture.  But this just ain't quite me, and you look sort of naked without it. He held it out to Joe. I hope you understand.

Joe nodded. I do. To be honest, it kind of clashed with those ears of yours. Besides, It ain’t everyday a fellow finds a good Stetson.

The others began to file in; Hank, Jennifer, Sarah, Cody, David, then Kehliah and her archers. There were no casualties, several close calls, but nothing more serious than a few bumps and scrapes, mostly from flying debris.

Sorry about your store, Joe, said David.

Eli hated to tell them. They got more than that. Our whole cabin burned down.

I know, Joe said. Shekinah saw and already told me. But losing bricks and lumber ain't nothin' we can't overcome.

David sighed. "I haven’t forgotten what you did for me. And you might not have saved my soul, but you gave me enough life to meet the One who could. I intend to help rebuild the store ... and your home. Just tell me what you’ll need."

Right now I’m just wondering how to explain all this to the townsfolk, said Joe. After all, there was lots of them lost homes and likely everything they owned.

Shekinah closed her eyes—looking. I see no loss of life. And I know this community will come together and help all our neighbors rebuild.

But again, said David. What do we tell them?

How about the truth? said Cletus. Ain’t nary a one ever snitched on Joe for makin’ 'shine. There’s more’n a few knows what I am. And you’d probably be surprised to find out a few things about some of them. Might be the same kinda crazy as us.

Joe Hatton raised an eyebrow. The truth... now that’s so ridiculous it just might work. What do you think, Miss Shekinah?

She beamed. "It will work, but only inside this county. We need a plausible explanation for the rest of the world."

By which you mean Georgia, said Jennifer. Outside of this state, the rest of the world won’t care. A half dozen homes, sheds, a few barns, and one antique store. I mean come on.

Terrorists, said David. There’s a training camp for ISIS a few counties away. Feds have been watching them and gave all the surrounding law enforcement a heads up months ago. We can lay this at their feet if all of you want.

That carries its own risks, said Shekinah. But if we can withstand Xal, we can certainly handle ISIS.

Ain’t nobody told me about any ISIS compound, muttered Joe.

Matt figured it was best not to, said David.

Joe gave a sly grin. Reckon he was right.

THE NEXT DAY THE TOWNSFOLK were gathered and given the truth of what happened. Eli, Kehliah, and the others were presented as proof. On the spot, the mayor levitated and changed her skin color to match her surroundings, a school teacher demonstrated his telekinetic powers, and the librarian called down birds to perch on her outstretched arms.

By late afternoon they leaked their cover story to state news agencies and it went nationwide by sundown. The next day the FBI and a Team of operatives swarmed the ISIS compound and shut it down. By week’s end the entire thing was old news and faded quickly into oblivion.

AHLENIR HAD RETURNED to his post at the prison cells. On the day following Xal’s return, he bowed low to his King and informed him, I’ve killed the human as you instructed. Fed him to the moat beasts.

Xal was visibly angered. Did I tell you feed him to the moat beasts?

Ahlenir feigned ignorance, but had prepared carefully everything he would say.  My King, I apologize. I was only following protocol.  For the past ten years we have kept the beasts sated with prisoners.

In truth there were only about two prisoners lost on average each year, and mostly due to old age.  Xal seemed to relish the pain of their imprisonment, and had only executed three, none of which were at Xal's hand.  A point which the elf was quick to bring to his defense; In truth, I believed this to be a test of my loyalty.  To carry through with the first execution demanded of me and then properly dispose of the transgressor.

Xal eyed him with suspicion. I intended to make him a Sepulchral. Did you not hear me threaten the human with that very prospect?

Ahlenir was careful to meet the Warlock's gaze, however briefly.  Master, I do not question what you told the human.  But, as per your royal edict, I attune my hearing elsewhere when not addressed directly.  Believe me, I am as always loyal to you alone.

Xal recalled then that his threats had indeed been whispered.  Even so, he might still kill this idiot of a guard.  He studied Ahlenir with his eyes averted and his hands crossed benignly at the waist.  Xal put a hand under his cloak and touched the hilt of the Lahat Khehreb, about to pull it and relieve this cretin of his head.  But when his fingers curled about the handle he thought better of it.  Perhaps there was yet another use for this one. 

Xal took his hand from the sword. That was an unfortunate oversight on my part. Sometimes I can be...impulsive.  And I certainly should have been more clear with my instructions.

The elf knew better than to agree with those comments, but he could not remain silent after such remarks. It would be a sign of disrespect and drive Xal to kill him, regardless of the Warlock's true intentions. My King is worthy of the throne, he said hastily, While I am nothing but a lowly prison guard. It is not my place to contradict your majesty, so whether impulsive or not, I dare not say. But this I do affirm, your judgments are right and just. The human deserved death. They all do. It was my privilege and honored duty to carry out the orders of my Liege.

Very well spoken, Xal said. He pulled the sleeve of his robe up to reveal the armband. This metal ornamentation was designed by the human I had you kill. I know the fundamentals of its use, but I want you to help me truly understand the magic within. He let the sleeve fall back into place and threw one side of his cloak behind his shoulder. I also want your assistance with this. He pulled a sword with a fine Damascus blade from his sash. Held it up so Ahlenir could see.

Though it was a struggle to do so, Ahlenir kept his shock hidden. He knew this sword, but must convince Xal of the opposite. An exquisite weapon, my King, he said. And what assistance would you have me provide?

Do you not recognize this blade? asked the Warlock.

Pardon my ignorance, your Majesty. I am not equipped to identify weapons of such quality. They are banned to all but your warriors, and rightly so. I am content to carry the simple sword of a prison guard.

This is the Lahat Khehreb, hissed Xal. "Tell me you do not know what that is and I will remove your lying tongue."

All know of this sword, my King, Ahlenir said calmly. Its fame and power are the things of legend. It is a most revered, ancient, and powerful relic. Whatever assistance you require of me will gladly be given.

Good, said Xal, exposing his sharpened teeth in a cruel grin. Try as I may, I cannot get its flames to ignite. So your assignment is the same as for the ornamentation. Help me to understand it, so that I can wield it as intended. Flaming with heat such that my enemies are scorched and shredded. Unlock for me the secrets of the Lahat Khehreb.

Ahlenir swallowed hard, bowing low to hide his nerves. Yes my Liege, I will do all within my power.

Xal slipped the sword back into his sash. Good, he said. Summon your relief to take your post, then come to my throne room ready to work. From now on you report directly to me.

It was Ahlenir’s darkest fear and greatest hope. To be so close to the Warlock that he would be privy to his movements and ready to strike a preemptive blow, once all things were in place and the warriors ready to launch their war. Yes, my King, he said, bowing again.

Xal turned on a heel and marched away.

Ahlenir watched until the Usurper was gone, then went to rouse his replacement. The Lahat Khehreb. Somehow that monster had taken it and now wanted to put it to use. The sword and Hank Brannon's technology.  And he expected a lowly guard to uncover the secrets of both.  Ahlenir winced.  Somehow the Warlock knew his dungeon guard was resourceful and intelligent. Even though he called him a fool.  What else might Xal know?  And what exactly did he expect Ahlenir to discover?

No matter, Ahlenir decided.  He could not be expected to solve these issues in one day, but the elf knew that soon he would have to show progress. For now he would stall and pretend to study the advanced technology and ancient artifact. Then later he would seek out the Prince, and together they would devise a plan. The details would need to be worked out, but Ahlenir knew there were only a few simple goals:

Take back the sword and the technology, kill the Warlock, and reclaim the Kingdom of Ejnerehl.

THE ONES WHO HAD FOUGHT Xal and his deathlings scheduled a meeting for the week following Xal’s escape, two in the afternoon at Joe’s moonshine still.

Before they arrived, Joe was showing his son the secret of Living Water, or Uisce Beatha as it was called when brought into the Appalachians by his ancestors.

Hold your hands over it, close your eyes, then concentrate and speak the words, Joe instructed. Now you try.

Eli did as he was told. Spreading his fingers wide, he closed his eyes in concentration, and whispered, Uisce Beatha. A shower of blue sparkles sprayed from his fingertips to drift into the seven jars on the table. They swirled down into the clear liquid and slowly disappeared.

Eli opened his eyes and smiled.

What you’ve just done, said Joe, "has chemically altered the moonshine. You can’t get drunk off this, like you can with regular 'shine. And you ain’t gonna find it in nature. It may smell like alcohol, but it’s not. Now it can cure disease, heal wounds, extend life even. But you’ve got to keep it a secret. Something like this in the wrong hands, and only the rich would be able to get it. Not even sure Shekinah knows everything about it. She’s cautious about drinkin’ it since there was plenty in her family who died alcoholics. So the complete truth is our family secret. Try to keep it that way, all right?"

Eli looked at Joe and nodded. Daddy, you’ve got my word.

2- Overcome all evil

The humans and the elves, who had yet to return home, were following Cletus in boats from the swamp’s visitors center: six to a boat. They arrived at Joe's island a little before two.

Joe and Eli emerged from the shack and led them all farther into the woods, Joe with a jar of moonshine in his hand. Finally they approached a clearing far beyond the shack. It was a man made structure, a circle formed from stone and hardened clay. Joe couldn’t tell them with 100% certainty, but legend had it that the lower Creeks had formed the circle as a place to eat, fellowship, and share stories.

Shekinah kicked things off. Xal will try to return, but probably not for several months. He will try to master the sword and unlock the secrets of Hank’s technology.

Good luck with that, said Cody. Dad’s an alien if you’ll recall. Way smarter than any Warlock.

Then Kehliah spoke. Do not underestimate him. The Warlock made several mistakes, but still, he nearly accomplished his goal.

She's right, said David. I’m not sure why all you elves have stayed behind, but I have a feeling it’s because you’re guarding Eli.

We are a band of warriors comprised of the remaining Queen’s Guard, Kehliah said, A handful belong to the Winged Shadows, archers who protect those inside the null.  A few are of The Order, strategists and leaders of our rebellion. And, as you have said, we now protect the Prince. But that is not the sole reason we remain in your realm.

So tell us what is, said Joe. If you don’t mind.

The elf stood. "We have been