The Last Shadow Gate: The Shadow Gate Chronicles Book I

By Michael W. Garza

Summer vacation was never supposed to be like this.

It was bad enough Naomi had to be shipped off to her dad's home for the summer and deal with her half-brother Gavin, but when the siblings are forced to spend their break with their great-grandmother in upstate New York, everything changes. An investigation into the strange disappearance of their great-grandfather forces them to retrace his footsteps. They discover a gateway between worlds and encounter extraordinary creatures in a land where the people are desperate to escape the coming of a shade lord. To survive their adventure, Naomi and Gavin must settle their differences and find the elusive shadow gate that will take them home again.

Grab a copy today and begin your search for the Shadow Gate

THE SHADOW GATE CHRONICLES:

Book 1: The Last Shadow Gate
Book 2: A Veil of Shadows
Book 3: The Shadow of War (Forthcoming)

• Language: English
• Publisher: neverhavenpress
• Release date: Jan 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9780997900408

Michael W. Garza

Michael W. Garza often finds himself wondering where his inspiration will come from next and in what form his imagination will bring it to life. The outcomes regularly surprise him and it’s always his ambition to amaze those curious enough to follow him and take in those results. He hopes everyone will find something that frightens, surprises, or simply astonishes them.

Book preview

THE LAST SHADOW GATE

The Shadow Gate Chronicles

Book I

By

Michael W. Garza

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including

photocopying, recording or by any information and retrieval

system, without the written permission of the author, except

where permitted by law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and

incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, or

are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events,

locales or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

ISBN: 978-0-9979004-0-8

Copyright © 2017 by Michael W. Garza

All rights reserved.

Proofread by Karen Robinson of

INDIE Books Gone Wild.

May your adventures bring you closer together,

even as they take you far away from home.

-Trenton Lee Stewart

Also by Michael Garza

The Decaying World Saga

The Hand That Feeds

The Last Infection

Tribes of Decay

Season of Decay

Cult of the Elder Mythos

The Elder Unearthed

(A collection of tales)

Vision of the Elder

NeverHaven

Children of the Mark

Rise of the Elder

Drums in the Abyss

The Shadow Gate Chronicles

The Last Shadow Gate

A Veil of Shadows

1

Gavin Walker sat in a dining room chair at the head of the table. His dirty-blond bangs were pushed to one side revealing a wide-eyed expression. His mouth hung open, and he was at a loss for words, which was something that didn’t happen often in the twelve-year-old’s daily life.

The whole summer?

His father stood at the opposite end of the table resting his hands on the back of a chair. The similarities between father and son were unmistakable. Mr. Walker’s expression was calm, unlike his son’s overreaction. Gavin could see his father wasn’t going to back down, so he resorted to repetition.

The whole summer?

Mr. Walker didn’t budge.

Don’t be so dramatic.

But Dad.

It won’t kill you, Mr. Walker said. You haven’t seen Mama Walker in over two years and she’s not getting any younger. His face was stern. Look, she’s nearly eighty-five and I’m not sure how many more opportunities the two of you will have to spend time with her.

Mama Walker was Gavin’s great-grandmother. She lived alone on the outskirts of Albany, New York, in the town of Gum Springs. To a twelve-year-old boy from Southern California, Gum Springs was on the far side of the moon. Gavin didn’t know Mama Walker very well.

But she’s crazy, Dad, he said. You said so yourself.

Mr. Walker’s brow wrinkled.

I don’t think she’s crazy. She’s lonely since Papa went away and…

He went on, but Gavin stopped listening. He crossed his arms and sulked. He wanted to protest, but he already knew his father wasn’t going to give in. He focused on something else he’d heard.

"What do you mean by the two of you?"

Mr. Walker smiled and hesitated.

Well, he said, that’s the rest of the story. I want you and your sister to spend the summer together with Mama Walker.

Gavin rolled his eyes. Naomi was his half-sister who lived in Florida with her mother. The two siblings were forced to tolerate each other over summer vacations and an occasional holiday break. She was older than Gavin by three years and reminded him of it every chance she could. What about football camp?

He was playing dirty now.

Already took care of it, Mr. Walker said, and Gavin’s smile disappeared. First day of camp is at the end of August, and it just so happens that you’ll get back with plenty of time.

You already bought the ticket? Gavin asked as his voice filled with dread.

Yep, Mr. Walker said, school’s out next Friday, and you and I fly out on Saturday.

You’re coming?

I’m flying with you. We’ll meet Naomi in Albany then I’m going to stay a few days and fly back.

Very brave of you, Gavin said.

Mr. Walker got up, came around the table, and took a seat next to his son. He put his hand on Gavin’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. I know I’m asking a lot, but come on, Gavin, do this for me, he said. Your mother and I have talked about this for a while. Mama Walker has been distant from the family for a long time. This will be good for her and good for the both of you kids too. He let go and stood up. You know, you might even have a good time.

Gavin doubted that very much.

♦

Destin, Florida is a popular vacation destination. It’s known for white, sandy beaches, and clear, blue water. That beauty is a part of life for the people who live in Destin and across the bridge in the city of Fort Walton Beach. Naomi Walker happened to be one of those lucky people.

She sat on the school bus staring out at the clear, blue water counting down the days until summer. The ninth grade was particularly difficult for Naomi. She calculated she’d spent more days grounded during this year than all of the years before it combined. She wasn’t a bad student, quite the opposite, she enjoyed most of her classes.

She’d always had an interest in science and history, but this year she spent more time interested in gossip and boys than any academic pursuit. Naomi’s mother was forgiving for the most part. She and her step-father were willing to give Naomi some slack as she dealt with becoming a young woman. Her father was a different story altogether.

Naomi knew her father lived in California, but sometimes she thought he was somewhere closer to Mars. Her parents divorced when she was young, but Mr. Walker did everything in his power to keep a close relationship. Naomi cherished that bond as a little girl; however, her needs had changed over the past few years. In a short time she’d be shipped off to California while all her friends would be having the time of their lives.

She decided looking at the beach was only making matters worse and spun around to stare at the back of the seat in front of her. Chloe, her little sister, sat next to her. All of Chloe’s attention was focused on the screen of a hot pink, handheld game. Naomi pulled the game from her hand for no good reason, and the two fought over it for the rest of the ride home.

The walk from the bus stop to the front door felt longer than usual. Naomi passed the time by snatching her hand away from Chloe as the little girl tried to hold on. At fifteen, Naomi was at a peculiar crossroads in her life where adulthood and individualism was a goal and childhood just plain stunk. To Chloe, only seven, holding hands was still all the rage.

Mom, we’re home.

Naomi threw her backpack on the sofa and walked to the kitchen with Chloe close on her heels.

What about peanut butter? Chloe asked.

What about no, Naomi said.

Chloe stuck her tongue out. Fine then, she said, I’ll make one myself.

The little girl pulled a chair in from the dining room as Naomi poked through the cabinets and settled on a half-finished bag of chips. Naomi slumped down on the couch, leaving Chloe to make a mess in the kitchen. She began a never-ending search for something to watch on TV with the chips in her lap and the television remote secured. The sliding door in the rear of the house opened and closed, announcing their mother’s arrival.

We’re home, Mom, she said.

Just finishing up the laundry.

Naomi was convinced her mother did the laundry for the entire block.

What in the world?

Naomi grinned. She knew her mom’s outburst had something to do with the mess Chloe was making in the kitchen. A moment later her mother made it into the living room. Her hair was frazzled and her eyes were focused in a disapproving glare.

What? Naomi asked.

You could have helped her.

She’s not a baby, you know.

Her mother sat down on the love seat. I want you to turn that off, Naomi. We need to talk about something.

Naomi didn’t like the tone her mother took. This was the tone she used when delivering bad news. It was that very same tone she’d used to tell her and Chloe their beloved cat, Tinker, was in heaven. Naomi eyed her mother closely as she hit the mute button on the remote control.

Your father and I have had a long talk about your summer vacation, her mother said. Naomi pulled a handful of chips out of the bag and ate through them in an unnecessarily loud manner. And… her mother’s voice rose to match the chip-chomping, I believe we’ve come to an agreement.

I can stay here for the summer? Naomi asked.

No.

Naomi sank back into the couch.

Your father wants you and Gavin to spend the summer together.

What’s so different about that? Naomi asked. I have to put up with him every summer.

Yes, but— Her mother was interrupted by a ring. She pulled the phone out of her back pocket, looked at the number, and smiled. I’ll let him explain.

Naomi took the phone from her mother and answered it. She recognized her father’s voice at once. Hey, Dad. She saw her mother smiling and noted it was the smile you give when you feel sorry for something. Naomi’s face scrunched as Mr. Walker explained what awaited her on summer vacation.

But, she cut in.

Mr. Walker pushed on.

Mama Walker?

Mr. Walker continued to talk.

But, Dad…

Her father didn’t let up.

Naomi popped up off the couch.

But, Dad, that old lady’s crazy.

2

Gavin burst out of the airplane and onto the walkway connecting to the Albany International Airport. The flight was late, and he’d been caged about as long as he could stand it. He dashed between the departing passengers, clipping a bag here and there. He’d tripped three times before he reached the terminal.

Gavin.

He heard his father calling for him and glanced back but couldn’t see him through the crowd. Gavin poured out into the terminal as quickly as he’d rushed the airplane door. The lady standing at the desk beside the door gave him a nasty glance which he promptly ignored.

Gavin.

He heard his name again, but this time from in front. The high pitched call was not his father. A look to his right revealed his sister standing by a front row of chairs in the departure area. Her arms were crossed, but at least she was smiling.

Wow, you got taller, he said and then reached out and threw his arms around her.

It’s only been a few months. She returned the hug quickly but then pushed him away. Where’s Dad?

Probably stuck behind everyone. Gavin examined his sister more closely. Hey, you cut your hair.

She pushed her golden bangs away from her eyes and nodded. Yep.

Gavin pulled his backpack off and tossed it onto one of the seats. He unzipped it and did a quick inventory.

I hope you brought enough to keep yourself entertained, Naomi said, keeping her eyes trained on the terminal door, ’cause it’s going to be a long summer.

Gavin didn’t respond. He was still making sure his laptop and all its pieces were accounted for. He breathed a sigh of relief, discovering all was well. Don’t be a drag, he said. We have to stay with Mama Walker whether we like it or not, so we might as well make the best of it.

Naomi raised a brow and focused back on him.

Boy, Dad sure has gotten to you.

Hey, you guys.

Naomi’s face lit up with a joyful smile. Daddy, she said and ran over to him.

There’s my baby. Mr. Walker wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He kissed her on the forehead and for a moment refused to let her go. I think you’ve grown, he said, finally releasing his grip.

You always say that.

They gathered their things and headed for the baggage area. A cool wind rose up the escalator to greet them as they passed through the security checkpoint. The baggage claim was long and narrow. An endless sea of people stared up at scrolling flight numbers and their associated baggage claim locations. Mr. Walker joined in with the other flight number watchers, and the children looked on with amusement.

The bags came quickly, and Mr. Walker loaded everything up on a cart. A moment later they found themselves in a four-story parking structure searching for spot B4-39 where the rental car was waiting. The car was found and packed and they’d driven away from the airport before any real conversation began.

Dad, are you serious? Naomi asked, crossing her arms. She was in the front passenger seat. Gavin’s head snapped up from the back. How could you agree to this?

The car swerved as Mr. Walker jerked in response to the sudden outburst. What’s the matter with you? I’m driving here.

The entire summer, Naomi said. She tightened her arms and put on a sour face. I could’ve spent the summer at the beach. Sara’s mom invited me to come with them to their beach house and of course I had to say no.

What does that have to do with anything? Mr. Walker asked. You would have been in California anyway.

Yeah, that’s right… She cut herself off mid-sentence.

So, you didn’t want to come out at all?

I can’t believe you want us to spend our entire summer vacation out here, she countered.

Gavin chuckled under his breath as she pointed randomly out the window.

We’ve been through this, sweetheart.

Yeah, sweetheart, Gavin said from the backseat.

Shut up, Naomi said.

Hey, hey, hey. Mr. Walker held a hand up. Enough. You two are going to have to get along. He looked from Naomi’s face to Gavin’s in the rearview mirror. Well, you’re going to at least have to tolerate one another. I was hoping that maybe you two would come to know each other in a different way after all this.

I’m all for it, Dad, Gavin said.

Kiss up, Naomi countered.

That’s starting off well, Mr. Walker said under his breath.

The car went silent and stayed that way until Gum Springs appeared on the mile signs on the side of the freeway. Gavin picked up on it and realized their destination was drawing closer. He refocused his attention on the most interesting part of the entire summer adventure.

So, what does Mama Walker really think happened to Papa Walker? The break in silence made the question sound louder than it really was. Mr. Walker’s eyes focused in on him in the mirror. What? Gavin asked. We’re going to be living with her. Don’t you think it might come up?

Naomi’s expression read plainly, he’s right you know.

Mr. Walker took a deep breath. Well, there’s not much time left before we reach Gum Springs so, if we’re going to get into this, it might as well be now.

He clammed up for a few moments, and Gavin slid forward on his seat until the seatbelt wouldn’t let him move any farther.

Our family history has a long line of explorers in it, supposedly dating back hundreds of years, Mr. Walker said. This is on your great grandfather’s side of the family. Our family line runs through several fairly well-known members of society. Members of royal courts, you name it and there’s a family story about it.

Gavin looked over and smiled at his sister. She was listening so intently that her mouth was open.

Now to be honest, Mr. Walker continued, I don’t know how true this stuff is. These stories were passed down to my father and from him to me. I never had much interest in it. I was always focused more on sports and—

Yeah, yeah, Dad, Gavin said, you were talking about the family history.

Oh yeah, Mr. Walker said. Papa Walker was a big believer in family history. If my memory serves me well, his main focus was on a tale about doorways. He shook his head. I’m not sure of the particulars, but he believed some of these doorways led to great secrets or something like that. As Mama Walker will eventually tell you, I’m sure… He rolled his eyes. Papa Walker brought the family over from England in search of those doors.

We’re from England? Naomi asked.

Yep, some small town north of London, I think.

How come I’ve never heard this before? Gavin asked but didn’t give his father a chance to answer. So, did he ever find the doors?

That’s where this all gets a little on the strange side, Mr. Walker said. Papa Walker spent the better part of his life researching and looking for the doors. He bought that house in Gum Springs because his studies led him to believe there was a doorway on the property.

And he found it, didn’t he? Gavin asked.

Mama Walker thinks he did.

Wait a minute, Naomi’s look hardened, are you telling me Mama Walker thinks he found one of these doors, went in and didn’t come back out?

Well, yes.

Everyone stayed quiet and let the last admission hang in the air. Naomi shrugged and turned back toward the side window. Gavin, however, couldn’t let the conversation go.

But he did die right? Gavin asked, after a long pause.

Gavin, Naomi and Mr. Walker said in unison.

What? He did right?

Yes but… Mr. Walker said.

There’s a but? Gavin smiled. He was hoping there would be a but.

You guys are too young to remember it, and I doubt anyone has ever brought it up, Mr. Walker said. But they never found Papa Walker.

Are you serious? Naomi asked, obviously far more into the conversation than she was letting on.

He was old you guys, Mr. Walker said. He’d wandered off from the house and was missing for weeks. The local police put on a full search, and they never found him.

That’s so cool, Gavin said. So, these door things might be real.

Come on, Gavin. Mr. Walker frowned. You’ve never been out here to the Walker house. It’s surrounded by miles of forest. He probably fell or got hurt and couldn’t get back. It’s sad really.

Mr. Walker’s refusal to go on with the story brought the conversation to an abrupt end. Soon after, the car drove past a Welcome to Gum Springs sign and the open fields were replaced with a wide road lined with old buildings. The children saw a drugstore, gas station, and an auto parts warehouse, but as far as they could see, there wasn’t a mall to speak of. It was only a few moments before the open fields returned.

They turned off the highway onto a small dirt road. A lonely wooden mailbox was the only indicator that someone might live nearby. Gavin scanned from one side of the road to the other in search of what awaited them. The day was overcast and the dark clouds didn’t help the first impression of the Walker house. A patch of woods ran to the north and south behind the residence. Naomi’s expression soured as the home at the end of the road rose up into full view.

The Walker house was an old colonial-style home. Several rows of windows on the face overlooked the estate. Two round peaks that resembled small towers rose from the front corners of the structure. The exterior was a dull white with tattered patches showing its wear and tear, giving a hint at its age.

A wide double door sat centered on the front of the house framed by two tall pillars which stood away from the door by several feet. The result was a good-sized front porch. Gavin focused on the front door as it opened, but his eyes couldn’t pierce the darkness beyond. Nor could he make out details of the short, hunched figure standing in the open doorway.

3

Well, I’ll be.

Mama Walker stormed out of the front door of the Walker house like a determined linebacker. Mr. Walker barely had time to open his arms before the old woman got a hold of him. Gavin laughed as he stepped out onto the dirt road, which stopped abruptly at the front porch. Naomi remained in her seat.

I haven’t seen you in such a long time, Mama Walker said, releasing her grip.

Mr. Walker had to catch his breath before he could respond. It has been too long, Mama Walker.

Just call me Mama, she said. And you… She turned her sights on Gavin, and before he could get out of the way she had him. Tall and muscular for his age, Gavin could see over her head when she hugged him. A bun of light gray hair, wrapped tightly on her head added at least another foot.

I’d know your chunky face from anywhere, Mama Walker said, pinching his cheek. You know your name comes from your great, great-granduncle on your Papa’s side.

Gavin looked to his dad for help. Mr. Walker shook his head as if to say, just go along with it. Gavin grinned. It’s good to see you Mama Wal—

She pulled his cheek harder as he attempted to finish. Just Mama, she said and then let go and searched for the lone figure still in the car.

Naomi gave up her attempt to hold off the inevitable and opened the car door. Gavin politely stepped out of the way and waited for the humor he hoped would follow. Naomi tried a different approach, extending her hand for a cordial shake the moment her feet hit the ground. Mama Walker would have none of it, rushing her with enough force to push her arm to one side. A bear hug followed, and Gavin laughed at the sight of it. Mama Walker’s dress was covered with a red and yellow floral pattern, and Naomi’s arms stuck out from the back of it as the hug continued. Her tall, slight frame put her half a foot taller than Mama Walker.

Mama Walker let go and stepped back so she could see the trio all at once. She clasped her hands together at her waist, and her cheeks warmed to a shade of red. This is truly a blessing. She took a quick check of the clouds. Let’s get in out of the weather, come on. And as swiftly as she’d come, she disappeared through the front door.

Mr. Walker looked at his daughter and smiled. You’ll survive. She’s harmless.

The children slowly approached the doorway as he started pulling bags from the trunk of the car. Near the dark opening an aroma swept past them, enticing their hunger and curiosity. Gavin took a deep breath and then stepped inside with Naomi close behind. The two found themselves in a large, open foyer. A grand staircase rose up across from the entryway, splitting off as it reached the second floor. A dim gray light flooded in from a row of windows in the far wall above the landing where the staircase split. The smell that brought them into the house grew in intensity, leading them to an archway off the foyer. A quick look revealed a finely decorated sitting room.

That’s macaroni and cheese, Gavin said.

It smells like Thanksgiving dinner, Naomi added. I’m hungry.

Gavin was already on the move. He could hear his father calling for help with the bags, but he pushed on. The children stepped through the archway and into a modest parlor. The walls were covered in polished wood panels with a small fireplace against the far wall. The windows at the front of the room were covered by thick drapes, and only a thin slit of light found its way inside.

A set of hinged doors on the other side of the parlor drew the children’s attention. Gavin continued to lead as he cautiously pushed the doors apart. The scene before them caused his eyes to open as wide as saucers. Naomi pressed in behind him with a solid shove.

The ornate dining room belonged on the cover of a magazine. The fine crystal and family china was lost in an endless spread of food covering every inch of the table. A golden brown turkey lay as a centerpiece alongside a tray of macaroni and cheese, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and more food than the four would-be eaters could possibly finish. Both kids were forced into the room by another shove.

Thanks for all the help, guys, Mr. Walker said as he focused on the table. Holy smokes.

Mama Walker came into the dining room from a hallway on the opposite side carrying a large tray

Reviews for The Last Shadow Gate

[aliceap-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The following book was kindly sent to me by the author, Michael W. Garza, who requested a review. This book is out now and you can get a paperback or ebook copy by visiting Amazon. :-)The Last Shadow Gate is the first book in The Shadow Gate Chronicles and begins the story of Gavin and Naomi who are agnate siblings (i.e. they have the same father). On the face of things, there is nothing truly remarkable or strange about these two kids...and then they are sent to spend the summer with their great-grandmother. This is when they start to become interested in the mystery revolving around their great-grandfather, Papa Walker. As they delve deeper into what really happened to him they get closer and closer to a danger that will change their lives irrevocably. Without giving too much away, there is a swashbuckling, coming of age adventure mixed with fantastical creatures, political intrigue, and magic wielding. Garza has clearly spent a lot of time on world building and it shows. If you're a fan of books that consist of character names each more wild sounding than the last then you have stumbled onto the right book. I will offer one criticism which is that after the midway point I felt that the writing quality diminished significantly. It felt rushed and not as well thought out as the first half which is a shame as I had started to really get into the narrative by that point. I know that Garza is hard at work on the second installment of the series so I hope that the books continue to show improvement. (Note: I don't want to sound like this was horrifically written because it wasn't. It just became markedly more muddy and repetitive towards the second half.) For middle grade fantasy lovers, this would be a fun book to sink their teeth into this winter (especially if they're into series books which everyone seems to be these days).