The End of a Beginning

By Kimberly Vogel

Viki, a college student, knows little about her past. She was adopted when a baby. Since then she's lived in the country of Everly. Suddenly come attempts on her life. With the help of the local authorities she makes it to a plane to flee to her birth country, but on the way a terrorist attack sends her in another direction. She's taken in by people who know of her missing past. But what about the ones who want to kill her? Her rescuers even have alternative motives. Follow Viki as she finds her hidden past and new future. (Viki Book 1)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 14, 2011
• ISBN: 9781105355561

Book preview

The End of a Beginning

The End of a Beginning

Copyright

Copyright © 2011 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-105-35556-1

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.

Prologue

A whisper came on the wind.  

A tall cloaked figure turned slightly, hidden eyes looking to another smaller cloaked figure hurrying over. What is wrong? A masculine voice spoke quietly.

It is time, hurry or we will be late, replied a soft feminine voice.

The hooded male nodded slightly, veiled eyes watching his companion a moment. Did you bring her?

Of course. The female cloaked figure replied, faint sound of chiding in her voice. I would not forget our daughter, especially at her first time to the ceremony.

The male nodded, a light bit of sheepishness edging his voice. I'm sorry love.

The female laughed lightly. It is alright. After all she was just born tonight.

The male nodded again, smile showing as the moonlight caught his teeth. Alright, let us go then.

With a nod the female spread her wings, arms moving up to hold on tighter to the sling which held her newborn child to her chest. Let us depart.

A rush of air stirred the breeze as the male spread his wings, lifting up into the air to start their journey.

The two flew through the thick forest surrounding them. With the white robes of gossamer like material they looked more like ghosts than living creatures. Their destination was a few miles to the north. In the distance there was a mountainside where the ancients had carved out a type of Stonehenge. That was where the magical people would gather, mainly the mages and sorcerers. The clan gathered here was named Somnus. It was at this time that the babies born over the last month were introduced to the clan.

The small family reached the gathering place as about a score of other figures clad in the same pale robes arrived as well. Slowly they milled around, each family taking a place next to the doorways that were their symbol.

When all of the families were assembled, then the leader of the main house stepped forwards. He called each family group forward, presenting the child and chanting a song in a strange lilting tune.

Finally it came time for the small family to step forwards. The father stepped forward first, reciting his name and his wife’s name. Then the mother stepped forwards with the babe in her arms. She sang out the baby’s name. The babe in her arms rested quietly, eyes closed with ears just listening to the sounds around her.

The leader stepped forward again; strange he did not sing the song. Instead he approached the family, producing a small animal within a basket. It was like a rabbit, only with wide watchful eyes and stocky limbs that were made for surviving the wild forests.

The father and mother watched in surprised silence. The rest of the families were hushed as well. This had never happened before. What could it mean?

The leader knew. He had a dream, as many of the mages do. This one foretold the destruction of their entire clan. He had searched the dreams, looking at every thread of destiny presented. All of them spelled death. Except for one, that had showed the babe here before him surviving, thus preserving their people. When he was done he stepped back, singing the ancient hymn.

The father and mother were confused, but stepped back as their turn was ended.

The leader lifted his hand to call forward the next family group. But he would never finish the summons. An arrow grew from his throat, as he was shot and killed right there.

Mass confusion broke out then. Families of mages and sorcerers scattered, falling back to the cliffs for defense. Who could have dared to do this?

A mighty clan of demons had turned their rage against the mages, believing them to be threats to their own power. This was true, but only in the fact when threatened by destruction by demons the mages had destroyed the demon clans that had attacked them. The demons came down full force, using physical as well as magical attacks to fight.

The mages hid in the caves, all except one family, the family with the chosen babe. That family went into the forest, using all their skill to evade capture. A group of demons gave chase to them.

The small family fled the best they could. But alas it was of no use. It was easier to track three than one or two. The mother and father decided to split up and meet later.

With a teary farewell the wife bid goodbye to her husband. She did not know that would be the last time they would see each other. The father would be caught and killed moments later.

The mother placed her baby into the basket with the strange animal. She carried them through the woods as she fled from her demon pursuers. She hoped to be able to shake them from her trail, but that was not to be.

Feeling them come dangerously close she paused under a flourishing cherry tree. She hid the basket in the branches then murmured a spell to keep her scent from being near the area with the babe. Instead it was directed to herself, so the demons would pursue her. The demons passed by the babe, finding her mother with deadly quickness. The mother was killed, leaving the babe without parents or kin of any kind.

Or so it is thought that none of the other mages escaped. Perhaps there is a remnant somewhere? Another clan of the same blood to rebuild the lines...

The babe was still in the basket, protected by the strange animal and the cherry tree. Wrapped around her was a blanket, in the corner embroidery with her name, Varaviksne.

Act 1

Chapter 1

Thump, thump, thump.

A female ran up the steps of an old Victorian house. The sky opened up one sudden summer evening to pour down drops of rain in a torrent. She wasn’t dressed for the weather, in a peasant shirt, cut out jeans, and sandals. Running across the tiny porch she pulled out her keys from the pocket of a book bag that was slung over one shoulder. She fumbled with the lock then pushed the door open to stumble inside.

The door slammed behind her as she leaned against it. Listening to the thunder crack she suppressed a shiver. After that moment she rose to continue inside. She kicked off her sandals to leave by the door. Then she reached out to flick the light switch by the door.

The light bulbs in the entranceway flickered as they turned on. A moment later another thunder crack followed. The lights went out.

She suppressed a groan as darkness took her vision. The young woman turned right and shuffled through the front room. With fumbling fingers she found the dresser drawer that held the candles.

After the wicks were lit and the candles set put in holders she was free to relax. She plopped down in a couch by the bay window in the corner rotunda. Her hands pulled the book bag off her shoulder and into her lap. Everything was damped by the rain.

With a sigh the young woman carried her things over to the dining table in the center of the room. She spread them out to let them dry. I hope my homework isn’t ruined. I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to do the rest.

She picked up a candle and carried it to light her way. She wandered through the hallway to the other side of the house and entered a doorway that led to her room. Once there she wandered around to light the other candles in the room. After that she placed the candle stand on the dresser beside her bed.

She plopped down on the bed then stretched over the length. Her hand reached out to open the top dresser drawer and took out a notebook that was stored there. She pulled the notebook close to read in the dim light.

It’s almost been a year since I moved in with the Pattersons. For seventeen years before that I lived with the Johnsons. I was adopted at one year old. Where did I come from? Who are my parents? Do I have any family? No one knows. I was left in a field, abandoned with naught but a blanket embroidered with my name, Varaviksne. Now I Viki am living practically on my own while the people who own this house are vacationing in another country. I’ll be starting my second year of college this fall. Working and going to school is difficult, but not impossible. During the summer I’ve been working at both the grocery and the library.

The young woman lifted her head as lightning flashed filled the room. She glanced around and noted how odd her face looked as it was reflected in the mirror by the bathroom door. Her pale blonde hair appeared almost white color. She lifted a hand to tuck one of the shoulder length strands behind one ear. Her green eyes were likewise washed out by the bright light. She blinked several times then lowered her eyes back onto the lined paper.

I’m not sure what the future will bring. I plan on continuing school to get a degree in writing. Maybe I’ll become a journalist or novelist. I have so many stories brewing in my mind that I write them down all the time. I haven’t shared them with anyone yet though. They all seem a bit too far fetched to be normal. It all has to be fantasy.

Thunder and lightning continued around her as the storm continued in its fury. She shivered as the chill of night swept through the cracks in the windowpanes to caress her skin. She flipped closed the notebook to drop it back into the drawer. Once that was done she stood to wander out of the bedroom that served as her own.

Back into the main room she went. Her destination was the fireplace at the furthest end of the room. There she crouched to start up the fire again. It was the best way to heat up the first floor. Once the fire was cheerfully blazing she retreated to the couch in the bay window.

As the young woman reclined her gaze turned to outside. The thunder and lightning still came in rapid succession. She winced at one loud crack of thunder then nestled into the cushions. Despite the noise from the storm she found herself drifting off into slumber.

The storm was still raging as she woke. Her eyes half opened as she thought she heard heavy footsteps treading across the wood floor. Odd, the Pattersons shouldn’t be back. I must be dreaming.

She kept her eyes half open as she glanced around the room. The firelight had died down some, but it could still illuminate most of the area that was the kitchen, dining room, and front room combined. A shadow by the porch door loomed menacingly. Oddly it seemed to grow as it moved along the wall.

She opened her eyes fully to get a better look. A mask appeared in the mass of shadow. Black hair hung around a pale green face. Narrowed slits for eyes glowed red. The mouth was twisted so the right corner went up as the left corner went down. Blood red hands appeared to reach out towards her.

The young woman’s eyes opened wide in shock. A scream passed her lips. As the hands came towards her, she rolled off the couch and dropped to the floor. The hands kept coming so she scrambled away towards the door by the fireplace, opposite the one of the porch. She kept staring as she scooted back.

Alula... The faint sound of a word seemed to echo in her mind.

Who are you? She whispered as she scrambled to her feet.

Alula... The word came again as the figure seemed to be calling out to her.

What do you want? She spoke again louder. Behind her she fumbled for the door latch.

Alula... The same sound over again as he kept advancing.

It seemed the door would never open, but when it did she fell backwards into the storm. She landed in a puddle with water soaking her clothes and skin. There was no time for that now, as she looked up to see the figure push open the door to follow. She stifled a scream and sprang up to run across the yard to the neighbor’s house.

She didn’t look back as she sprinted across the yard to the door. Her hand reached up to push the buzzer. With no electricity the bell did not ring. The young woman turned her head to look back as she banged on the door.

No one was there. Panicked the young woman glanced around while she continued to pound on the door. "Open the door, please!"

The door opened suddenly. An elderly lady stared back at her with a cross expression. What do you want?

Please ma’am, she called. There’s a burglar in my house!

Goodness! The lady gasped. She pulled open the door all the way and reached out to grab her arm. Come in child.

Thank you, the young woman breathed out as she turned to close the door behind her. She leaned against it and shivered as the chill from her soaked clothes seeped to her skin.

I’ll phone the police and get you a blanket. The lady nodded then bustled off into her house.

Thank you, the young woman repeated. She turned her eyes to look out into the storm. There didn’t seem to be anyone there.

Here dear, said the lady as she handed the younger woman a blanket. Wrap yourself up and come sit with me by the fire.

Thank you, she said while she shivered. The blanket wrapped around her shoulders and she shuffled after the elder to her living room. She sat down on a couch by the fireplace.

Just as the chill was beginning to leave her the whine of sirens filled her ears. She didn’t look up though, rather curled up while shivering. The sound of the woman answering the door and several more people entering filtered in her ears.

What happened ma’am?

She came to my house crying that there was an intruder in hers. I think she lives next door. She’s taking care of the house as the owners are out of the country.

Thank you, we’ll check that out.

Another voice spoke as the other person left. Miss, could you please tell me what happened?

Viki shook her head. I don’t know. I was sleeping then I noticed an odd shadow. It turned into a person, but it wasn’t a person.

Could you be more specific?

He or whomever was wearing a mask. There was black hair around it. There was a robe around him in dark color to blend in with the shadows. It was wearing as mask. It was like one of those you see in the old theater with the happy and sad face all twisted up. It was like a mixture of the two with glowing red eyes.

Did it say anything?

No. At least I don’t think so. There was a word that I kept hearing, like it was whispered. He kept saying ‘alula’ over and over again.

Interesting. Can you tell us anything else?

I don’t know. She shook her head. I just tried to get out and ran.

Okay. Now, can I have your name?

Varaviksne or Viki for short. Viki Johnson.

You live next door?

Yes, I’m house sitting for the Pattersons as they are out of the country on vacation in Belden.

Do you have anywhere else to go?

No. I’m an orphan, adopted. The people I call my parents live a good distance away. I came here for school.

I see. The policeman stopped to ponder. As he did the pen tapped rapidly against his notepad.

I could put her up for tonight. The elderly lady interjected.

Would you mind?

Not at all, she replied.

Viki nodded faintly. If you wouldn’t mind I’d like to stay close to the house.

The policeman nodded. Very well. She can stay here until we secure the scene of the break-in.

As soon as the electricity comes back we can get you a shower and something hot to drink. The elderly lady said. Meanwhile try and get some rest.

Thank you, replied Viki. The events of earlier were exhausting and she curled up on the couch to doze. Sleep was slow in coming as the ghostly vision haunted her mind. Finally exhaustion overwhelmed and she sank into darkness.

It did not last long though, as the traffic in and out of the elderly lady’s house pulled her from her daze. Viki sat up while she rubbed at her eyes. She glanced around and noted the officer who first spoke to her standing by the door chatting with the old lady.

As he noted her waking he nodded to the occupant then turned to walk to the young woman. With a grim look he addressed her. The lock looks like it was picked open. It could be a kid with a flare for the dramatic attempted a break in. Even if not then the suspicious circumstances have to be taken into account. Do you have any enemies?

None that I know of sir, she replied with a shake of her head.

Are you having a good time in school?

Yes. I can’t think of anyone there who I am at odds with.

What about at work? Do you have a job?

I have two actually, one at the grocer’s and one at the library.

Anyone watching you oddly?

Not that I can think of.

I see. He nodded. Well we’ll put a patrol to come by hourly. We found nothing odd in the house, but please report if you find anything.

I will, Viki replied with a nod and shiver.

Well we have nothing else. The policeman said then turned to walk away. Goodnight ma’am.

Night, she said then dozed off again.

When dawn broke electricity returned to the town. The storm had fled in the approach of the sun. The terror also seemed to have fled in the light.

Viki woke from her sleep and sat up groggily. She rubbed her eyes with one hand as the other pushed off the blanket. Oww my contacts... She winced as her eyes stung. She blinked at her eyes then stood up to take another look around.

Oh good, you’re awake.

Viki looked up to see her elderly neighbor standing by the door.

She walked into the room with two cups in her hands. I didn’t know what you’d like, so I made hot chocolate.

Thank you, she nodded. Oh, thanks again for last night.

No problem dear, she said as she handed her the hot chocolate. We have to stick together against the perverts.

Mmm, she murmured with a nod. Viki took the cup and sipped at the warming liquid slowly.

Would you like to clean up here?

No thanks. I’d like to go back to the house.

Are you sure?

Viki nodded then lifted her head to give a warm smile to the elderly lady. Yes ma’am. I think I’ll be all right.

Very well, she replied then sat down beside her.

Viki ducked her head again. She sipped at the hot chocolate until it turned to brown sludge. Once that happened she turned her eyes to look at the mud that crusted over her jeans. Her nose wrinkled up.

I can take your cup.

Thank you, Viki said as she lifted her eyes. She smiled and handed over the cup. I should go now.

Take care.

Viki nodded then wandered out of the neighbor’s house. Her eyes turned around the familiar streets and houses. It all looks so innocent in the daylight. She sighed then continued to her side door. It was unlocked so she went right in.

Her eyes turned over the interior. Other than muddy boot prints from the intruder and policemen it looked unchanged. Viki sighed and dropped her eyes to look down at her bare feet. I’ll have to clean those up.

She turned her eyes up and looked around. With eyes staring for any change she locked all the windows and doors. Once that was done she pulled the shades. Then Viki wandered to her room to strip and continue on to the bathroom. Inside she turned on the shower to wash the mud from her body. She dressed in clean clothes.

After that was done she carried the dirty clothes down to the basement. She scrubbed as much of the mud from her jeans as possible by using the sink beside the washing machines. Then she put the clothes into the washing machines to have them run.

Viki returned upstairs to wash her arms again. As she dried herself she wandered to the kitchen to get the mop from the closet. She poured some cleaner on the floor then proceeded to scrub the mud from the wood.

Exhausted again the young woman put away the cleaning tools. She wandered to the dining table and looked over her books. They all seemed to be okay despite the soak from the evening before.

After that she wandered on to her bedroom. She dropped on the bedspread then curled up to sleep. It didn’t take long before she was gone from this world into the dreamland.

Chapter 2

Bzzt... Bzzt... Bzzt...

The alarm on her dresser woke her. Viki groaned faintly and lifted her head to squint at the glowing