Changeling

By Thomas Kemp

A mother will do a great many things for her child, even give them up if it would mean they could have a happier, safer life.

Eva Andromeda is a remarkable girl, living in the mythical and ancient realm of Everdeen. Everdeen is a land of magic, placed right in the centre of a world filled with fantasitical creatures, some with human intelligence and some without it. Few, however, can actively use the natural mana of the world; Eva has always been a prodigy in regards to the art of magic, an otherwise unassuming teenage girl with an extraordinary gift.

But what if there is more to this girl? What if there is larger reasoning behind her raw abilities? A reason that young Eva Andromeda is terrified will be revealed.

And one day, it shall.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9780244907365

Book preview

Changeling

Changeling

By Thomas Kemp

Copyright

Copyright © 2017 Thomas Kemp

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-244-90736-5

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Prologue

A mother will do a lot for her child, even give them up if it meant them having a safer life growing up, despite the obvious pain that comes for the parent.

****

Darkness hung over the capital city of Everdeen, itself titled ‘Everdeen City’. The city was quiet as the moon hung low, and the only activity in the city’s higher end districts belonged to the occasional patrol of the city's guards, or the odd stray animal prowling the night is search of food. Most of the night activity took place in the lower districts of the city, where all of the taverns and speakeasies were located.

But tonight was different. Tonight Everdeen City was host to a cloaked visitor, prowling through the streets. The visitor had a humanoid form, but it was trying desperately to avoid being seen by anyone. Guard or random civilian.

The figure looked almost human, and like them she had four fingers and a thumb on each hand, two eyes, a nose and most of the same distinguishing features.

There were differences however.

Beneath the cloak the figure had, in the place of skin, a chitin exoskeleton as black as night, two gossamer wings were also hidden from view. Her hair was like silk, and an almost transparent blue in colour. Her eyes also contained reptilian like slits for pupils.

A Changeling Queen.

The changelings were an elusive race, existing in only myth and legend. A race where everyone had the ability of magic. Horror stories told to scare children at night.

A race that was a mix between human and insectoid biology’s, and the ability to shapeshift in anyone they came across. A society where their leaders were born much like in insect hives, the rest were drones, serving the hive. The drones were capable of magic, though only to the extent of a low level apprentice, while a queen would be comparable to the likes of Queen Solaria, Everdeens’s ruler. The royals themselves were often subject to the stories most of all, how they would drain a sapient creature of all emotion to fuel their own powers, killing the victim in the process, despite being able to do it passively without causing harm albeit while collecting less of it.

Taking a break in an unlit alley, Queen Regina removed her hood. Ensuring that no one was watching, she reached into her bag and retrieved a map of the city. She was looking for one house in particular, a house belonging to one of Everdeen’s lower noble families. Regina had done her research, sifting through family after family trying to find the perfect one; and in the end there was really only one viable choice among them. The household of Ulric and Thea Andromeda.

Regina looked down at the bundle hanging from her neck and at the child, or nymph as her species called them, within.

Princess Eva of the Wasteland Changeling Hive, and the daughter of Queen Regina.

One of Eva’s most stand out features was her sparkling lavender eyes. Most changeling royals were born with green eyes, but her daughter was different. The first time she had looked upon them, they had reminded Regina of the sky at the edge of the Wasteland, only coloured so during the transition between day and night. Eva's carapace was pitch black and her hair was a transparent teal. Small wings fluttered on the back of the sleeping nymph as she tossed and turned within her bundle.

Regina had been so overjoyed when Eva was born; and she had vowed that day to protect her beloved daughter no matter the cost. And what a cost it would be. Changelings could survive without emotion energy; simply by eating both meat and vegetables like any human would, but they were extremely weak without any of that energy. Drones needed the energy for food, while a royal could also use it to increase their strength in the art of magic and sorcery.

A maturing changeling queen was very different. During their early years, a new princess requires a steady stream of passive energy in order to survive.  A lack of these energies during this period would be fatal. The problem was even more striking during puberty, and young adulthood, where the transition from Princess to Queen begins. During this stage a change comes with a huge hunger; needing more energy in a short space of time then they have ever absorbed throughout their lifetime.

Therein lays the problem. The Wasteland Hive was in the middle of the worst emotion energy shortage for over two hundred years. The amount of available energy in the hive would never be enough to sustain the new-born changeling royal. Regina loved her daughter more than anything, but the love from one changeling could not be absorbed by another; it had to be from the reservoir (the name for the hives communal storage where drones who have collected energy store it for future use), or another sentient species. So Regina had to make a choice, give up her daughter, or watch her starve to death.

She chose life.

Ulric Andromeda and Thea Andromeda already had a son, a young boy by the name of Theodore Andromeda. The couple had been noted as one of the most loving families in Everdeen City, and her spies had told her that Theodore himself had been wishing for a sister for quite some time – anything and everything counted when it came to saving Eva.

Regina finally spotted the house she was looking for, and quickly made her way up to it. Standing just by the front door, she looked down into the bundle she carried, watching as Eva sleepily opened her eyes. A small giggle emerged from Eva as she booped Regina’s nose with her right hand. A warm smile crossed Regina's face, but tears also came to her eyes; giving her up was the hardest thing she had to decide, and likely ever would have to do.

Shh, go back to sleep, and remember that… that… Regina choked down a few of her tears. That I will always love you... Regina gently nuzzled her daughter’s face affectionately, who slowly closed her eyes and drifted back into a peaceful slumber.

Regina lit up with a green magical aura that reached out to and enveloped Eva, slowly replacing the changeling nymph with the image of a small human child.

I will always be close by, my child; I will always keep you safe.

Slowly and reluctantly, Regina placed the bundle on the doorstep. Next to the bundle she prepared to place a small piece of paper with a name written on it. While changelings didn’t tend to have last names, humans did. Still that was of little concern, should everything go to plan she would end up with the one already belonging to the family within the large house.

Placing the paper down on the bundle, Regina knocked on the door several times, as loud as she could, and then hid in a nearby alleyway again.

Candles blinked to life upstairs, slowly progressing to the ground floor until the door swung open, bathing the doorstep in light. A very, very tired Thea Andromeda emerged.

Squinting her eyes, Thea called out. Hello?

Ulric Andromeda quickly came up behind her, and swung a glance up and down the street. Seeing nothing, he shook his head. Huh, damned pranksters, likely just some children messing about in the dead of night.

Thea sighed. Let's just go back to... wait...

A small gurgling sound could be heard.

Thea noticed the bundle on the door step, and looked closer. She was met with the face of a sleeping child that sported dark brown hair.

Huh? Ulric, look at this!

What is it dear? A new-born child? On our doorstep? Who would abandon the poor thing like this?

I don't know, but we can't just leave her out here like this!

I know but, what are we going to do?

She’s not going to the orphanage that’s for sure, I’ve seen the children there, they’re all skin and bones, Thea tapped her foot and a small smile appeared as she considered something. You know… Theodore’s been wanting a sister…

Ulric’s eyes widened. Are you being serious?

Yes, look at her Ulric! We have to do something! Thea pleaded with her reluctant husband.

I... you're right, he sighed. Bring her in. Oh Theodore is going to love this...

Well dear you better go and wake him then, Thea smiled. Ulric Andromeda retreated into the house to wake his son, while Thea gently picked up the bundle and examined the child within. Hello there, what's your name?

It was then Thea noticed the small piece of paper, bringing it up to her she read the name out loud.

Eva.

Chapter 1

Eighteen Years Later...

Eva Andromeda sat within the confines of a mildly busy tavern, name ‘Joe’s Family Tavern’, which itself was located in the town of Direwood, her current residence. She had been sent to the town by her mentor, Queen Solaria, the ruler of Everdeen. Solaria had felt that Eva had learnt all she could in the confines of the royal castle, and thus saw it prudent to send her out into the world to further explore its many mysteries and features.

Queen Solaria ruled Everdeen alongside her sister, Princess Alkina, and their adopted niece, Princess Amare. All three were sorceresses, adapt in the art of magic. Magic users among humans and the other two races of Everdeen were extremely rare, and the royals were the only three known to exist at that time. The reason for their rarity was for one notable reason, they were immortal. While Amare was only in her twenties, Solaria and Alkina were both over a thousand years old.

Eva herself had become Solaria’s apprentice after her own magical talents were discovered, and she had been sent to Direwood after living in the castle for much of her life for a chance to gain experience in the real world, to experience life outside of being student to the queen.

Everyone was unaware of Eva’s true nature, even Eva herself… to an extent.

The young women sat at a table with three others as the sunset glowed brightly through the establishment’s windows. Three friends she had made during her stay at the village were the ones to sit with her.

There was Domina, a high born women with an immaculate hair design and obviously placed a lot of effort into her appearance. The only problem was her issues when it came to shyness, thus she had moved to the rural town to get away from the crowds of the city.

The second was Catherine, or Kate as she preferred it. She was a farm-girl at heart, her father owning land just outside of the village. A farm she was content with taking over when the time eventually came. She had blonde hair tied into a ponytail, and wore clothing of rather simple make.

And finally there was Ariana, who also preferred a shortened version of her name: Ari. Ariana was rugged, her clothes had several tears in them and her black hair was unkempt. Unlike the other two Ari was not human, but rather she was an angelic, and while for the most part she looked human there was one major difference. The large feathery wings on her back. Angelics were the second species of Everdeen, and almost as common as the average human.

There was also one final addition to the party of misfits.

A small dragon was curled up on the table, his eyes closed as he rested peacefully. Drago was a young dragon no bigger than a house cat, he had been given to Eva as an egg by Solaria as a lesson about responsibility, and they had been inseparable the moment he hatched.

Does he ever do anything but sleep? Catherine asked with amusement.

In his defence, he is still quite young, Eva chuckled.

I can hear you… Drago grumbled.

Eva only smirked in response.

All heads turned as the door to the tavern swung open and a man in bright golden armour strolled on in. The guard scanned the tavern, until his eyes finally came to a rest on Eva herself.

Eva sat herself up straight as the guard approached with a nod in her direction.

Guardsman, good afternoon. What do you require of me? Eva asked.

The guard outstretched his hand and presented a scroll to Eva. Letter for you, Lady Andromeda, from The Queen I believe.

Grinning at receiving the letter, Eva picked up the scroll and read it out loud.

Dear Eva, I am sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Everdeen City.

Wedding? Eva became confused.

I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. I would also appreciate you informing Catherine that I can think of no one better to be in charge of the catering for the reception than you and your family, I trust a deal can be made. Also, I have heard Domina’s skill in dressmaking, and her dreams of designing for royalty, I want her to be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids if she feels up to this important task. See you all very soon.

Yours, Queen Solaria.

Eva’s grinned slowly faded as she examined the letter several times. But... hold just for a second. Who's getting married? she asked questioningly, wondering if perhaps the others had heard anything.

That is because there is a second scroll, my lady, the guard said as he handed Eva said scroll. This is the actual invitation for both you and your companions, please keep it handy to avoid unnecessary trouble when arriving for the wedding.

I will, thank you guardsman.

The guard nodded. I shall take my leave, have a good afternoon my lady.

With that, the guard took his leave and departed from the tavern.

A wedding? This is the first I have heard, and I do like to keep up with these kinds of thing. It must have been kept heavily under wraps until they were ready, Domina observed.

Well Eva? Who is getting married? Ariana asked, if slightly impatiently.

Eva cleared her throat and read out the second scroll. Queen Solaria and Princess Alkina cordially invites you to the wedding of her royal highness, Princess Amare and Captain Theodore… Andromeda…

Wait a second, Ariana did a double take. Isn’t that your brother?

***

The journey was pretty standard fare, they travelling in a train of carriages guided by a track, the machine powered by arcane crystals deploying telekinesis to move the wheels. Eva's friends talked among themselves; all of them excited about their roles in the upcoming festivities. Eva herself just ended up sulking for most of the journey. She had not taken well to the fact that her brother had neglected to tell her he was getting married in person, on top of the fact it wasn’t until the week it was happening. She could not even remember him ever telling her he had an ‘other half’ to begin with. Let alone it being Princess Amare of all people. She tried to think back to her last year in the city, but it all became a haze of lessons and studying. Attempting to focus at all was becoming harder; her brain becoming filled with the sound of static or buzzing.

As they got closer to Everdeen City, the strange buzzing got louder, until it was all she could think about. Then, all of a sudden, the noises became coherent.

Voices!? Eva jolted up, confused.

What was that? Catherine questioned, only just catching Eva’s muttering.

Oh... uh it’s... it’s nothing. Just feeling a bit dizzy...

Is it the kind of dizzy you get when you board one of those flying machines? the farm girl deadpanned.

That was nothing to do with the craft but rather the flyer, but then how can you blame him? It was a prototype on its first flight.

You’re kind of biased then don’t you think? Considering you helped design the thing I mean.

Eva blushed. I only designed the engines. Changing arcane crystals to emit a strong enough levitation spell for prolonged flight was more challenging than you think, Kate.

To be fair the engines are the most impressive part, the rest of it is not.

You may want to get used to them. The Grand Everdeen Army is already receiving some for use, Eva pointed out.

Yes I’m sure our enemies will fall to the might of flying boxes, Catherine said sarcastically as she rolled eyes.

You know what - never mind, Eva sighed before turning back to the window and staring off into space. The buzzing was there again, but very subdued at the back of her head.

Soon enough the City of Everdeen itself came into view.

As the train approached the city, they passed through an archway flanked by guards. They slowly came to a stop at the depot, and all of the passengers that exited the vehicle were greeted by a large contingent of city guards on the platform. All of the passengers had their identities and belongings checked, but Eva and her friends were waved straight through, on orders from Captain Theodore Andromeda himself. The group passed through the guard checkpoint, and they were escorted all the way to the castle.

On their arrival, the group all split up, each being lead to either their rooms, or their work place for the next few days. Eva said farewell to her friends, as she went off to find her brother; intending to both congratulate him and throttle him for not telling her he was getting married.

Eva made her way through the castle to where her brother would be carrying out his duties. As Captain of Queen Solaria’s division of the Everdeen Royal Guard he was in charge of