Journeys of a Wandering Soul

By Kimberly Vogel

This is the last time for Rune. All the heartaches and bones broken lead to this moment. Everything else is in her favor, but is her heart? A game changer is brought in the form of a little girl turned woman. With Rune's brother Mask distracted by Viki, Rune might be able to end this once and for all. Then Rune can have her own life...if she survives. (The fifth and final book in Rune's story)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781300146773

Book preview

Journeys of a Wandering Soul

Journeys of a Wandering Soul

Copyright

Copyright © 2012 by Kimberly Vogel.

Softcover  978-1-300-14677-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

CONTENTS

Part 1

Welcome Back

Chapter 1 – These Same Days

Part 2

Hunt for Brother

Chapter 1 – Shame on You, Shame on Me

Chapter 2 – A Strange Little Piece of History

Chapter 3 – Nemesis

Chapter 3 –Drifting on the Wind

Part 3

Enemies are Everywhere

Chapter 1 – The New Guard

Chapter 2 – The Old Guard

Chapter 3 – Here then Gone

Part 4

Alula

Chapter 1– The Past Comes Back

Chapter 2 – The Other Woman

Chapter 3 –Puzzle Pieces Falling Down

Part 5

Confrontation

Chapter 1 – It All Comes down to This

Chapter 2 – It Is Not Over, Not Yet

Chapter 3 –Long Lost Home

Part 6

Testing One, Two, Three

Chapter 1 – Belly of the Beast

Chapter 2 – Old Aches Renewed

Chapter 3 – Break Free to Reality

Part 7

Happy Endings

Chapter 1 – One Last Thing Before the Last Battle

Chapter 2 – The World is Changing

Part 1 - Welcome Back

Chapter 1 - These Same Days

JWS Ch 01 BW eBook.tif

The year was 986 in the First Age. After the explosion of fights around the country of Givon, everyone involved took a break over the winter. Now it was spring, Rune stood in the little bungalow that had become her favored place to get away from it all. It was an odd choice of placement, since it was the entryway to her land. If anyone wanted to visit, they had to come through that doorway to not be considered an enemy.

The black haired woman didn’t let that scare her away. This was her land. Holding a mug of hot cider in her hands, she warmed her fingers from the heat. Her pale gray skin didn’t come from sickness. It was her natural tone, as was the black eyes. Only the twisted ladder tattoos down her arms and legs came from something done to her after birth. It was the same with the pattern on her back. She wore mainly long garments to hide them from prying eyes.

Taking a sip of the steaming liquid, Rune took the warmth into herself. If only she could be happy that easily. She still hadn’t found a way to free her brother. What he said before still resonated in her mind. What good is the rest of what you do if you still don’t know how to free me? Shaking her head, Rune sighed. I’ll need help, but not from the usual places. I don’t know where from, though.

In the main mansion, the three servants of Rune gathered in the kitchen. In terms of placement, it was in the very back of the home. While there were plenty of windows, it was the warmest place with the double ovens backed by the massive chimney.

How are you feeling? a man asked one of the two women.

Just fine, Ace replied. Smiling softly at her husband, she ran her hand over her baby bump. It was quite apparent now in the spring season. She had a look similar to Rune, though her hair was white instead. The only thing strikingly different were the little bat-wings she had.

Good, let me know if you feel sick again. As Jaromir spoke, his blue eyes watched her closely. Of mixed heritage, he had no wings. He still had the Upper Tsubasan height at six and a half feet tall. The tan skin to Sharne took over the usual pale tones of skin. He had white hair as well.

I will. Thank you dear, Ace said. She was nine inches shorter than him. She was an inch shorter than Rune, but she wasn’t the shortest in the place. Elisheba is taking good care of me.

Of course, the cook said. Elisheba nodded to Ace and the gardener. You’re family. Picking up the large pot from the oven, she carried it to the center island. Now watch out. I’ve got dinner here. The five foot two inch tall woman knew that she didn’t have to warn them, but complacency brought accidents.

Right, sorry. Ace moved away from the other tan skinned person. Retreating into the dining room to the north, she sat in one of the eight chairs. I need to sit down anyway.

Following his wife, Jaromir sat in the chair closest to the sliding glass door. Would you like a pillow?

No thanks. I’m fine. Ace placed her hand on her husband’s arm.

Smiling while she watched them, Elisheba took the lid off of the pot. Her brown eyes returned to the work. She picked up a ladle and stirred the stew. As she tilted her head over, the steam brushed through her white bangs. The rest of her wavy hair spilled in brown waves down her back.

In the bungalow, Rune knew that she didn’t have much time before dinner. Her servants would come for her soon. Rather than make one of them come to her, Rune forced herself to go back. Circling around the fire pit that heated the bungalow, Rune exited out of the back door. She traveled down the open path to her mansion’s front door. Entering the lower of the two levels, Rune traveled through the north passageway into the space between kitchen and dining room.

Looking up from his wife, Jaromir said, Welcome back.

Nodding, Rune carried her mug to the sink between the windows on the wall. Thanks.

Are you going out today?

Glancing at Elisheba, Rune replied, No.

Will we play any games together?

Rune looked at Ace. Smiling faintly, she replied, I hadn’t thought about it.

It would be fun to play a game. Jaromir glanced around. We have four, that’s enough for any card game.

Okay, Rune said, laughing softly, One game.

Sounds like fun, Elisheba said. Smiling at them, she portioned out the meal. Then she took two servings over to the dining table.

Rune followed with another pair. She put one portion down in front of Jaromir. As the other murmured thanks, she sat down in the chair across from him. Dinner went by fairly fast.

At the end, Elisheba cleaned up the dishes. There wasn’t much to do in the kitchen, so she joined the others in the bar room at the south side of the mansion. There were plenty of seats in the couches along the south wall. Two pair with tables between sat facing each other. Another couch was on either side at an angle pointing inwards.

Jaromir pulled in a larger table between the easternmost set. If anyone needed something to drink he would hop up to fetch it from the kitchen. It wasn’t that far away. Besides, no one wanted to drink from the bar on the northern side of the room right now. It was best reserved for parties.

Ace fetched a stack of playing cards from behind the bar. A lot of different types of games were there, but it wasn’t anything like upstairs. She walked over to the couches, sitting on the side across from the window.

Jaromir sat beside her, smiling while he placed his hand on hers. Are you warm enough?

I’m fine, thank you dear.

Rune gathered two blankets anyway. She draped one over the back of their couch and the other over her couch. Seated by the window, she felt a slight chill at her back. It wasn’t too bad since the spring weather brought a warm breeze instead of a cold one.

Once everyone was seated, Ace dealt the cards. Let’s start with Hearts.

Not Go Fish?

Ace laughed at Elisheba, No.

I’m game, Rune said.

Shaking her head, Elisheba picked up her cards. Fine, I’ll play it too.

Chuckling, Jaromir picked up his cards. I’ll start. Scanning his hand, he placed the four of clubs down on the pile.

Smiling while she watched them, Rune let her mind wander. She couldn’t become complacent during the downtime. The world didn’t stop, so she couldn’t either.

Across the border into Cheney Town, one of Rune’s friends searched for the child that had been lost years ago. The seven foot tall man was another of unknown age. Vii was even older than Rune, though no one in the world but him knew exactly by how much. His long black hair had purple streaks in it, much like his bruised grape skin tone. His red eyes provided a sharp contrast. To help distract from them, a silver bird-like tattoo ran across his forehead.

She wouldn’t be found there, since Drag hid her elsewhere. The only one who might have a clue was Dimitre, but he was unreachable. The hidden city of New Somnus still needed to be built up into a proper stronghold. Dimitre would be the one to do it, though he wouldn’t remain in control forever.

Vii strode down the sidewalk. With his high ponytail bouncing at his back, each step drew some attention. A dark blue trench coat wrapped over a black tank top and black jeans. With the clothing styles of the other people in the city, he blended in rather well. Vii gathered what information he could then left for the border.

While the patrols along the divisions between countries weren’t massive, it was much more than it had been in the past. The obvious figures of Thanatos weren’t allowed to pass, but it was easy for others who didn’t have the obvious uniforms of masks and capes to slip past the officers. The offers of the countries surrounding Givon still tried to keep control, however.

Vii flashed his identification at the border. It was fake, of course. No one normal was expected to live beyond a hundred years. The origin was correct, though. He came from Tsubasa, which was the old name of the country of Givon. Passing through the forest from one side to the other, Vii left the country of Everly to find Rune at her home in the country of Givon.

Well that was fun, Rune chuckled, standing from her spot on the couch. We should do it again.

Sounds good, Jaromir said. He stood, helping his wife to her feet. Tomorrow?

It’s a plan.

Goodnight for now, Ace said.

See you tomorrow, Elisheba said. Glancing around, she continued, Would anyone like a last minute snack before bed?

Ace piped up, I would.

Laughing lightly, Jaromir rubbed her shoulder. Go with Elisheba, I’ll be there as soon as I finish cleaning up.

I’m fine, Rune said. She took the cards to the bar counter. Don’t wait up for me.

While the people inside prepared for the night, Vii approached the outside. He came from the eastern side, so he found the front entrance of her land easily. A large fence ran along the road then turned on the north and south border. The fence couldn’t penetrate into the deep woods on the border of Rune’s land, so piles of boulders were used in there instead. A second fence circled the buildings themselves. There were two: a small bungalow and a large two-story mansion.

Vii stepped up to the door of the bungalow. The two buildings were separated by an open pathway. Only those who were good friends of Rune’s were allowed into the second building. The alarm wouldn’t go off unless they went out of the back door to the path.

Rather than disturb them, Vii camped out on the couches in the southern part of the bungalow. It was a simple building. A fire pit rested in the center. Other than the couches, only a kitchen area was in the bungalow. The four seat table was on the west side of the L-shaped kitchen counter. In the morning, Vii made eggs on the stove.

In the morning, the first to wake was Elisheba. Catching sight of the smoke from the bungalow, she traveled across the path in her brown vest over her red polka-dotted dress. The red cincher kept it from falling down on anything while she cooked. She put her hand up; tugging on the pendant she wore. Not many people came around Rune’s place anymore.

Good morning, Vii said, glancing at the door. He hoped for Rune, but any other person from the group was good too.

Vii, what a surprise. Elisheba stepped inside, closing the door after herself. What are you doing here?

I came to see Rune. Vii finished scrambling his eggs. Would you like some?

No, I’m fine. She walked over to him at the eastern wall. You know you can come in to the mansion.

I know, but it was late. I didn’t want to disturb you.

You wouldn’t disturb us. Smiling faintly, Elisheba put her hand on the countertop. Leaning against it, she looked up at him. It’s good to see you. How’ve you been?

I’ve been fine, Vii replied. You look well.

Thanks... Elisheba held her smile. She glanced at his food then looked out of the western window. I’ll let Rune know you’re here.

Thanks, Vii said, bobbing his head. He didn’t necessarily need to eat, but it made him seem more human.

Nodding, Elisheba pulled away from the counter. She left the bungalow and entered the mansion. Heading upstairs, she traveled to Rune’s suite in the southeast corner of the mansion. It covered roughly an eighth of the entire floor. Walking to the door on the western side, Elisheba knocked.

Within, Rune pulled out of her bed on the western side of the suite. Running her hand through her hair then over her face, Rune walked around the wall to the door. She opened it, blinking at the woman there. Elisheba? What’s going on?

We have a visitor, Elisheba replied. Smiling at Rune, she gestured to the window behind her mistress. Vii is in the bungalow.

Oh? I’ll go to him. Rune turned, hurrying into her bedroom niche. The opposite corner of her suite held her bathroom. Once she was done with the back-and-forth, Rune stepped out of her room ready for the day.

While her mistress dressed, Elisheba went to the kitchen. She still had her own work to do. The others in the mansion needed to eat as well.

Rune ran west across the floor to the nearest set of stairs. Going down, she turned away from the kitchen. Running down the hallway to the front door, Rune barely caught her breath on her way out across the path to the door of the bungalow.

Vii chuckled as Rune threw open the door. What’s your hurry?

You’re here.

Glad to know I’m loved. Vii poked at the eggs on his plate. Would you like some?

Shaking her head, Rune closed the door behind her. No thanks. She walked over to the table then sat beside him. So what brings you here?

Smiling at her, Vii replied, I came to report. You really have to get some phone lines in here.

Rune wrinkled up her nose. Telephones...televisions...I don’t know about all of that technology stuff. It seems too easy to intercede.

Shrugging, Vii nibbled on a piece of egg. So are radios.

And we all know how that went.

Still, if you can’t keep up at least a little bit with what’s going on in the outside world...

Sighing, Rune shook her head. Never mind about that. What do you have to report?

So impatient, Vii chuckled. But I understand. I couldn’t find anything about the child. The best I can tell you is that it’s a little girl.

We knew that before, Rune said, frowning.

I figured. Vii shook his head. The best I can say is that she’s gone from where Drag was, if she ever made it there.

So what are we going to do?

I suppose that we should fall back on your plan. Vii smiled softly at her. We’ll leave her alone. There’s no need to bring extra stress down on someone who managed to escape.

Good, Rune said. Smiling faintly, she tucked her second set of bangs from her cheek to behind her ear. The rest of her black hair bounced off of her shoulders. So what will you do now?

Shrugging, Vii replied, I don’t know. It all seems quiet here on the western front, so I’ll probably go east again.

Let me know how it goes?

Of course. Vii smiled down at her.

Rune bobbed her head. She twirled her hair around her finger. Are you going to come in?

Nah, I should go. Shaking his head, Vii stood. He carried his plate over to the sink. Places to go. People to see. You know how it is.

Right, Rune chuckled. Thanks for coming by.

Vii grinned at her. No problem, thanks for the free meal.

Oh you. Rune laughed. She stood and followed him to the outside door. I’ll talk to you later, right?

Of course, you asked me that already. Vii lifted his eyebrow.

Right, Rune wrinkled up her nose. I’m not entirely awake yet.

Vii laughed. Pulling the door open, he waved. Bye Rune.

Bye Vii, Rune replied. Leaning against the doorframe, she watched him walk down the road into the nearby city of Mintha. Shaking her head, Rune pulled back through her place into the main mansion.

In the kitchen, Elisheba was hard at work making breakfast for everyone. When Rune entered, she looked across the island counter at her. Welcome back. Is Vii coming too?

No, he had to keep going, Rune said, shaking her head.

I see... Will you go back to bed?

No, I’m up. I might as well keep going. Rune hid a yawn.

No need to force yourself.

Shaking her head, Rune walked to the hallway. I’ll be in my study for a little bit.

Okay.

Rune walked to the library on the other side of the kitchen. Entering it, she glanced at the trio of chairs and couch to her right side. Then her eyes turned to the two windows ahead of her on the north wall. Sighing softly, she turned to the wall of books on the west wall. Plucking one down, she walked to the chair in the opposite corner and sat to read it.

Waking from their sleep, Jaromir and Ace left their suite in the northeast corner of the second level. The stairs weren’t hard for Ace to manage yet, but as time went on she would either have to move down to the guard’s room in the southeast corner of the first level or not leave their bedroom suite at all. Jaromir would follow his wife wherever she decided. Right now the couple went to find breakfast.

Good morning, Elisheba said, smiling at them.

Morning, Ace replied. Over her white shirt she wore a crocheted shawl the same color as her long black skirt.

How are you? Jaromir asked. He wore his same blue jacket over his darker blue tiered kilt. The white cravat was another piece that added to his eccentricity. His odd pointed hat was the same shade as his kilt. That last piece was left behind for trips outdoors.

Just fine, Elisheba replied. Are you hungry? She turned around, a plate of pancakes in her hands. I can make more.

Oh, please, Ace said, retreating to a chair at the table.

You take the first plate, Jaromir said. He took the plate from Elisheba and placed it in front of his wife.

Thank you, Ace murmured. Picking up a pot of raspberry jam, she poured it over the buttermilk pancakes.

You’re more than welcome, Elisheba said. She cooked up more pancakes for the others.

The only one missing from the group was Rune. She had dozed off while reading the book. It wasn’t until about an hour later when Jaromir came to wake her. Jerking up, she blinked at him. Mm?

I said, Jaromir said while he leaned over her. Would you like to come out for breakfast?

Ah, Rune murmured, closing the book in her lap. I think I’m going to skip breakfast today.

Come on, that’s not healthy.

I’m not hungry. Rune stood. Leaving the book in the seat, she walked out of the library.

Shaking his head, Jaromir followed her out of the room. If she didn’t want to, he couldn’t convince her. Jaromir knew that. Returning to his wife’s side, Jaromir held Ace’s hand tightly.

I’m going into town, Rune said.

What for?

Rune looked at Ace, smiling faintly. Just some things for the house. No need to worry.

We can’t help worrying, Ace replied. It’s not safe.

I’ll be fine, Rune chuckled softly. I’m probably the safest out of all of us. She wandered through the hallway to the front door. She plucked her cloak off of the large coat stand on the right side of her. I’ll be back for dinner.

Okay, Elisheba called, waving her arm around the corner. I’ll have it waiting for you.

Waving, Rune exited the main mansion. Once she was out on the street, Rune pulled her cloak tightly around her body. It might be spring, but there was still a bite to the air. Striding quickly down the main road into the city of Mintha, she reflected on her talk with Vii. I should add some technology...not too much, since dependence on anything can destroy a person’s independence.

Sighing, Rune looked at the trees. They had definitely thinned out more than before. Work with nature had turned into work against nature. The city had finally embraced technology, even if Givon was still far behind the other countries in its mastery of it.

In the city Rune contracted with workers to bring her estate some of the best new things, even if she didn’t understand them all. It would be important for the child that would soon be born. He or she had to be able to fit in with other children of similar age. This was something new for Rune to consider, but she would do it for the baby.

It was the summer when the big event happened. Ace’s contractions grew so bad that Rune went to get a midwife. There weren’t many people they could