Tales from Avalon

By Tim Conley

A set of loosely connected tales that documents how life might have started on Earth. Sam Waters is sitting in his private investigator’s office when a tall, buxom beauty enters and enlists his help. Little does he realize the dangers he puts Earth squarely in the middle of as he brings about the demise of an empire that has harassed other star-faring societies for centuries.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tim Conley
• Release date: Apr 6, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452499147

Tim Conley

Hi, my name is Tim Conley. I live in Philadelphia, MS with my beautiful wife, Carmela. My son,James (JD) is in the Air Force and has a son Joshua who is 21/2 with another boy on the way. Carmela's son - Enrik just graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Teaching.I have been writing for over twenty years and have published 67 books so far - two recently with Amazon/Kindle. I'm currently working on a fantasy anthology of 28 books called The Rhumgold Sagas.I have always been interested in publishing via eBook format but just haven't found the venue until now. I'm really looking forward to participating in the eBook experience. There are 22 e-books available now and 16 more that are being prepared for release in 2020. Read, explore and enjoy!

Book preview

Chapter 1

Can you find her?

Who has forever, anyway? Sam sat and watched as Jenni stepped through the life portal and departed his world. Perhaps two jumps and she would be in her beloved Avalon once more. Wiping his eyes, he realized he already missed her.

A lot had happened during the past couple months. He let his gaze wander off into the convolutions of distant hills, mottled reds and yellows of fall, which had just budded out when she entered his life. The waterfalls at Danver's Fork caught his eyes and reminded him of Avalon's majestic Sweet Water Avalance. Sam still felt the crick in his neck from craning to see the top of that one. Over a mile. Made the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls look meager in comparison.

Avalon itself was an amazement to him. Jenni had tried to prepare him for the shock of a world Bigger than life but he had been totally unprepared. Everything, except people, was big on Avalon. Houses rose half a mile into the air, swaying to and fro with wind sheer that would have broken anything Earth-made. Trees matched the architecture -- in some parts of the planet were actually used as housing. But the distance between things was all-wrong from his perspective. What should have been a mile was three.

No wonder they came up with the portals. They need them. Sam got up and dusted off the seat of his britches and walked back to his car. A planet that size should never happen in real nature. He still puzzled with it as he started the engine and headed for home.

What had started as an ordinary day had turned into something much more. Sam had always tried to keep an open mind about space travel and alien beings, but hadn't been prepared for Jenni Hightower of Avalon. The fact that she had just walked into his detective agency and asked for the impossible didn't seem to matter now that it was over.

Are you the owner of this establishment? she had said.

Sam looked up from the police reports and noticed her for the first time. Long blonde hair with bangs that covered the tops of her eyes emphasized big, blue eyes that sparkled. He didn't notice much else except her long legs as she sat in the chair he motioned her toward.

Yes, I own the place. Well, actually, my partner owns it but he's out of town at the moment. How can I help you?

She got right to the point. I'm looking for someone on your world.

The way she emphasized your world made the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. Something just wasn't usual about his guest. Who are you looking for?

My life-mate was abducted by the Solarians about six months ago and I finally tracked them down to this continent. Can you help me?

Sam was puzzled by the mention of a group of people he didn't recognize. But he decided to ask other questions first. Do you have a picture of him?

You mean her. she stated matter of factly. Yes, I have a picture of her. She reached inside a black leather wallet and produced a glossy photograph. Sam looked at it and saw the size of the tree trunk in the background. Where is this place anyway?

Never mind that. Can you find her?

Sam found her straight forward approach disconcerting. There was something about her that wasn't normal but he couldn't put his finger on it. It wasn't until much later that things began making sense.

Can you find her? Yes or no?

I don't know. He sat back in his seat and looked some more at the photo. I'll first have to know something about her. What's her name, her social security number, how old she is. You know – things like that. He looked back at her. And I'll need your name and where you're staying.

She looked steadily back at him. Her name is Rhiannon Hightower and she's from Avalon. As for the social security number – I don't know what that is. And as for her age, she paused and looked out the window, I already know you Earth people consider age to be worrisome. I mean, you don't want to get old, do you?

No, I guess you're right. But how old is she? The police will want to know that before they issue a missing person's notice on her. You do understand that, don't you?

Yes. But if I'd wanted to go to your police I wouldn't have come to you.

Sam leaned forward and placed his elbows on the desk. Just where are you from? I don't think I've ever heard an accent quite like yours and I've watched a lot of Nova.

I've already told you. Avalon.

But there's no such place on Earth at this time. Not that I know of, anyway.

You're right. Avalon is not of your Earth. In fact, Avalon isn't even near your Earth. Your scientists measure it about 33 light-years distance.

And you're pulling my leg, right?

His visitor's eyes lost their sparkle and became hardened points. Sir, I'd never have anyone on. You can believe that.

But how did you get here?

Through the life portal. She said it so casually that Sam failed to catch it.

You do have the keys to your spaceship, don't you? He leaned back and smiled, hoping he had made a joke, but she didn't seem to find it humorous.

I need to find Rhiannon. She started to rise. If you can't be serious and find her for me, then someone else might.

Please, sit back down and fill me in on everything. I didn't say I couldn't help you. I just found your assertions to be slightly out of this world. You understand, don't you?

Her eyes brimmed with held back tears as she sat back down. Sam noticed for the first time how slender she was. Almost as if her body wasn't made for the gravity of Earth. Is there anything I can get for you? Coke, water, anything?

She nodded. Yes, I'd like some of your water if you don't mind.

He got up and opened the small fridge tucked under a shelf in the corner and took out the water jug. While pouring from it he asked, You haven't told me your name.

Jenni Hightower. Can you help me?

Sam passed the glass to her and sat back down. Yes, I can help but I'm going to have to know more about you and Rhiannon. What can you tell me about her?

Jenni started in and related a bizarre tale of intrigue and abduction. Several times during it Sam wished he had had time to dig out his tape recorder, but later events would indelibly imprint all of them on his memory paths.

As he pulled into the driveway leading down to his lakeside bungalow Sam once more considered the first time she had seen the lake. The stillness of everything had seemed to amaze her. It wasn't until later that he found out why. Her world was so much more hectic, in every aspect. In every aspect.

* * * * *

Chapter 2

Rescue Plans Under Cover of Darkness

Jenni eased out of the car and stood transfixed. Moonlight was sparkling silvery shadows on the lake, loons whistled mournfully across small caplets driven by a breeze that still had the bite of Northern winter. Sam scanned the off-shore islands while waiting for Jenni to drink it all in. Dark holes among the trees were made even darker by being backlit by a nearly full moon.

I've never seen anything so beautiful! she breathed, looking over the hood of his Jeep Cherokee. What do you call it?

That's Lake Windemere. Goes about six miles across to a small town called St. Georges. About four miles wide in most places. Don't you have lakes on Avalon?

No, Mr. Waters, we don't have anything like this. All of our water is contained underground or in the canopy. Jenni walked down to the water's edge and knelt to feel the surface. I've never seen so much water in one place. She looked back at him as Sam joined her. Your world is truly a marvelous sight.

And yours must be too. Tell me more about this canopy.

Jenni stood and looked upward at the myriad of stars which stood out in spite of the full moon. We know of the existence of those because of stopping off at other worlds, but you'd never see one on mine. Avalon's water blocks everything from view.

But your sun shines through, doesn't it?

Oh, yes. Both of them. We have a hot sun like yours and a red one that fills most of the southern horizon all the time. Our scientist call it a gas giant.

I'd like to see that. Sam moved closer and placed his coat over her shoulders. You're shaking. Let's go inside and I'll start a fire. This latitude doesn't heat up very much until later in the year.

Later, Sam sipped his coffee and tried to get more information about Jenni's world. Tell me more about Avalon. If you don't have any lakes or oceans, how do you get water?

Jenni made a strange, alien face. I'm bored talking about it, Mr. Waters. Some other time, maybe. But, now, tell me how you will find Rhiannon on your world.

This is no fair. he protested. You walk into my office and spin a yarn that's pretty fantastic and then want only to discuss work. I don't believe it!

Jenni sighed. I don't have time right now. I thought I made that clear. Rhiannon is in grave danger from your world.

Why?

Your gravity is hard on us. You see, Avalon has less than two thirds the amount of gravity of Earth. Without taking specially designed stress pills we can't handle it very well. And Rhiannon didn't have time to take any.

I see. About how much time have we got then?

About twenty of your hours. So we must hurry. Now how are we going to find her?

Sam sat back and placed his cup on a coaster. You said you knew where she had been taken? How far is it from here?

Jenni sat on the edge of the couch and took a flat plastic tablet from an invisible pocket of her blouse. Her red tipped fingers tapped a couple small keys and she laid it on the coffee table between them. A body of water dotted with small islands at the southern end dominated the center of the view that projected into mid-air between them.

That's Lake Windemere. I've never seen it from the air but have navigated those islands many times. Where is she?

Jenni's finger stabbed the air above the biggest island. The resolution fluttered for a brief moment.

That's Big Bear rock. There's a lighthouse out there. Little else. No one lives in it now. The lighthouse sets at the far northern end and anyone in it can see for miles. There's no chance of approaching it during the daytime.

Not to mention. We don't have time. Jenni did something to the keys again and the island expanded and moved around to show a bird's eye view from the south. Is there any way we can go there tonight?

Sam shook his head. Too dangerous. I've navigated around the rocks out there in the daytime, but at night it would be out of the question. You'd be in the water in no time.

But I could guide you through them with my scanner. Display a view for you. Would that work?

Perhaps. Sam considered the display in front of him and had to admit it was plausible. He sat back and took a sip of now cold coffee and made a face.

Why do you people drink that stuff if it's so bad? she asked.

It's really good laced with cream and sugar. Here, try it.

Jenni held up her hands and rejected his offer. I couldn't. Besides, we need to go.

Yeah, but first we need to get you some warm clothes. It's gonna get pretty cold out there once we get on the water. By the way, he looked over his shoulder from the closet where he stowed his winter coats, how many men are holding her?

Four, as far as I know. There may be more. But that's all that came through to Avalon.

Sam handed her a change of clothes and indicated his bedroom. You can change in there. Meanwhile, I'm going to make some more coffee. He rummaged around the stove and put together a small cache of food and emergency items.

Jenni only stopped to pick up her scanner on her way to the dock. Urgency was even more evident now that they had some sort of plan.

* * * * *

Chapter 3

Bear Island Rescue

Bear Island was foreboding in the best of times. Sheer cliffs rose from the sea on the northern end, low tide-washed rocks protruded on the south. Thickets of impenetrable brush pushed down to waters edge on both sides. A samurai in stealth gear couldn't have come ashore without making noise.

Bert looked back over to his right and located Reginald Burns the Third again. He had to adjust the gain on his nightgear to get him in focus and immediately felt his own temperature rise as he realized Reggie was lighting up one of his crazy weeds. Bert spoke softly into his mouthpiece.

Asshole. Put that thing out before the boss sees you.

A cough came back in his earplug, then he could hear Reggie's rasping voice even across two hundred yards without a mike. Keep your shirt on. Dreyfus ain't gonna do nothing. He's too interested in that bitch to worry about what we're doing out here. And why are we out here freezing our butts off, anyway? Should be in there where it's warm.

You heard what he said about someone coming for her.

Yeah, but I don't know where he got his information from. Ain't heard nothing all day. Not even a peep. I'm going inside.

Bert heard Reggie's boots crunch and turned back to survey the open expanse of moonlit ocean. Hey, turn your mike off. he hissed. All he got in return was a surprised grunt. Bert turned toward the house, took a couple steps and tried to bring up the barrel of his rifle.

In front of him stood a pale apparition blowing in the wind. And she was coming for him. A scream tried to work its way out of his lungs but was frozen by the redness of her eyes as she rapidly closed the gap between them and grabbed the barrel of his gun.

The back of his head snapped back against the course trunk of a tree as she forced him backwards. Stars woke up the inside of his head with their light and illuminated the face of his assailant. A red-fanged mouth was the last thing he remembered seeing.

The sunshine of morning had arrived before he recovered from the blow. Bert raised himself on his elbows and tumbled forward as his brains tried to flip-flop out the wrong side of his cranium. He crashed back down hard and realized he'd somehow broken his wrist. Pain came back even more powerfully than before. Bert cursed and gritted his teeth. He had to overcome it.

Later, he tried to get up again and succeeded. Holding his left arm as still as he could, Bert surveyed his surroundings. The lighthouse door was standing open. Off to his right he could see brown-soled boots sticking up awkwardly from the weeds. He stumbled over and looked down. Reggie won't be getting up from that one.

Reggie's head was twisted almost off. Brownish liquid had oozed out of several tears at the neckline and covered the lower half of his face. Bert gagged and almost lost what he had left of last night's lunch. He turned his head and tried not to think about how his companion had died. Focusing on the lighthouse door, he moved that way and looked into the cramped living room. Nothing was there.

Bert called out for Dreyfus but got no answer. A hasty search through the kitchen and bedroom revealed nothing. Bert sat down and tried to regroup. There was food and water for about a week for one person and Dreyfus had sent Mike to St. Georges the day before. He should be returning today sometime. Then we can get away from here.

He sat quietly, trying to cradle his arm so the wrist didn't flop around. Looking at it almost made him sick again. It was swollen and purple. Must have been broken when that thing grabbed his gun.

What was that thing, anyway?

Bert found some bandages in a kit and proceeded to wrap his wrist. It was awkward doing it one-handed, even if he was using his right hand. He had nothing to tie a knot with, but finally had it immobilized to some degree.

I wonder where everyone went. It's not like Dreyfus to leave anyone behind. He probably either thought we were both dead or was in an awful hurry himself.

As if in answer a dull thud sounded from the stairwell leading up to the lighthouse. Whatever it was bumped down three or four steps and hit the bottom of the door. Bert nearly jumped out of his skin. He finally got his courage up and went to investigate and found himself face to face with Dreyfus -- or, what was left of Dreyfus.

Looking up the stairs he saw a dismembered body sprawled on the first landing. Looked like someone had taken a buzz saw to it. Bert backed out of the doorway and flinched as the head followed him into the room and came to rest by the chair he had been sitting in.

He stared at it. Most of the lower jaw had been torn away, bone could be seen sticking out. Eyes gaped and finally stared at the floor as it rolled onto the cavity left by the mouth. Gray hair, now matted with blood stuck up in back. 'Dreyfus always did need to use a comb.' Bert muttered to himself.

Somehow he found strength enough to get his legs to take him out of the house. Cold wind coming off the lake refreshed his spirit but did little for the dread that settled over him as he realized night would be settling in again soon.

Bert looked for his watch but realized it must have broken off when his wrist was broken. He looked instead for the position of the sun and found it already sinking past the west side of the island. I don't want to spend another night on this place.

And you won't.

Bert jumped and whirled about so rapidly that he smacked his arm against the side of the house. Pain, extreme pain, shot through his shoulder and threatened to drive him to his knees. Somehow he found the ability to concentrate and looked at his guests. A carbon copy of the ghost from the previous night, although in flesh and blood form, stood in front of him. A stocky, well-built man was with her.

She looked back at the man and gestured toward the open door. What happened in there? The man moved past him and checked out the interior. A few minutes later he came back out to find Bert huddled against the side of the house, shaking in abject terror. He knelt down and tried to get Bert to focus but soon realized the futility.

This guys scared out of his wits. He looked up to where his companion was staring out across the water. He seemed perfectly fine when we came up, except for being bruised up some. Did you say something to him?

I didn't say a thing. she stated flatly. He just crawled up against the side of the building and started bleeting about phantoms of the night.

I wonder what the poor devil saw out here. Sam rose and stepped over next to Jenni. Listen, I didn't find your sister inside. I'm sorry we didn't get here in time. But I'll start searching the rest of the island. She may have run off and hid in those bushes down there. Sam moved as if to begin a search but her cold voice stopped him.

She's not on the island, Mr. Waters.

Then do you know where she is? You said we need to find her. Where is she? How did she get off the island?

Jenni moved past him, heading for the boat. Rhiannon has gone to St. Georges, and yes, we must find her now -- more than ever before, we must find her. For a moment he noticed her trembling and noticed how out of place it seemed with the rays of the afternoon sun warming up the rocks around them. There wasn't even a breeze blowing now.

Sam looked back at the unfortunate man beside the house. We must take him with us. He stepped in that direction and was stopped again by the coldness in her voice. Leave him. We don't have time for the dead.

He started to protest, but looked down and realized she had stated the truth. Bert's head was canted back at an awkward angle, like he'd jammed it trying to rise and scream at the same time. He would do neither again.

Sam fell in step with Jenni as she hurried back to the boat. As they reached the water's edge he put out his hand and grabbed her sleeve. What are you? he asked.

It's not what I am that should be bothering you now, Mr. Waters.

She stared at him with eyes that looked puffy and red, as if she'd been crying. You need to worry about what Rhiannon has become.

Then talk to me, damn it! Tell me what this is all about. What has happened?

Jenni stepped into the boat and seated herself. We must get to St. Georges before dark. She looked up at him. We really must. I'll explain everything on the way. Now hurry!

* * * * *

Chapter 4

The Dark Streets of St. Georges

Sam cranked more horsepower from the boat than he had ever before. Forgotten were rocks, but truth be told, north of the lighthouse you didn't have to worry too much. But Sam wasn't worried at all about rocks. His mind was going faster than the boat trying to figure out all the nuances of Jenni's most recent revelations.

Your blood runs hot through our veins, Mr. Waters. she had said as they pulled around the north side of the island.

Just what does that mean? he grunted, now in no mood for riddles.

She sat forward and hugged her knees, pulling his shirt close around her