Extraordinary Koen

By Kimberly Vogel

Koen escaped from his hunters. Now he's been reunited with the one he cares for most. The past still haunts their future, though. The ones who destroyed Koen's life aren't going to let him stay free forever. Can he and his love Dey survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781304356666

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Extraordinary Koen

Extraordinary Koen

Copyright

Copyright © 2014 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-304-35666-6

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

Chapter 1

Chapter  2

Chapter 3

Chapter  4

Chapter  5

Chapter  6

Chapter  7

Chapter  8

Chapter  9

Chapter  10

Chapter  11

Chapter  12

Chapter  13

Chapter  14

Chapter  15

Chapter  16

Chapter  17

Chapter  18

Chapter 1

Dey! Screaming out, Koen reached his arm out through the bars of his cage. He tried to catch the fallen woman’s dress, but all that his fingers caught was air. Slamming his shoulder into the space between the bars, he tried to work his way out. With each action he only became more edged in. With his fingers curled, he grasped at the emptiness. Staring at the figure that stood in the darkest part of the cave, he called out, Bring her back!

No, the outlined figure replied. Carrying the woman fully into the shadows, it spoke again, You won’t see her again until you come to work for us.

You can’t do this! With a panicked voice, Koen shoved himself forwards. Reaching out still, he tried to summon his powers. He waited a moment, but nothing happened. Taking a breath, he tried to calm his spirit. He tried again to summon help, but once more nothing happened. Dey! Screaming her name over and over, he kept fighting against the bars.

With a thump on the back of his head bringing an explosion of light across his vision, Koen fell to the ground. Groaning loudly, the dark-haired man fought to open his eyes. As his view came into focus, he scanned the room.

The new morning’s sun filtered through the thin fabric draped over the windowpanes. Wedged between two of the windows was a plush couch. On that piece of furniture was the woman that Koen thought that he lost. Wrapped in a fluffy blanket, Dey stirred from her sleep. Around her the rest of the sitting room was fairly sparse. The chair that he had been sleeping in was overturned.

Wiping his hand down the front of his face, Koen let out a relieved sigh. Fighting his legs free of the tangled fabric that made his robe, he rolled over to his hands and knees. Crawling across the floor to the couch, he spoke softly, Dey?

Five more minutes, the woman murmured, rolling over.

Smiling faintly, Koen reached his hand up to her cheek. Caressing her tan skin, he let out another sigh. It was just a dream, he said.

Ah, that’s cold, Dey gasped. Her eyes snapped open. Grabbing his hand, she pushed it away from her cheek. What are you doing?

I’m sorry, Koen replied. He still held the weak smile while he pulled his hand away. I had a nightmare.

Rubbing her hand over her face, Dey sat up. After what happened last night I’m not surprised. Dropping her hand to her lap, she curled both of her legs tightly together.

Nodding slightly, Koen pulled himself up from the floor. Seated beside her, he rested his hands on his knees. His blue eyes stared at the floor for a moment. Then he turned them to watch her brown eyes. What do you want to do?

I don’t want to tell my parents about the attack, Dey replied, shaking her head. It would just worry them too much.

While I’m sure that group won’t attack you again, I don’t know if anyone else will take their place. Sighing deeply, Koen clasped his hands together. I couldn’t stand it if anything happened to you again.

Watching his face, Dey curled her hand over his. Did you dream about the river?

No, it was somewhere else this time. Gazing at her, Koen’s face took a paler tone. I couldn’t use my powers. I couldn’t stop them from taking you away.

That won’t happen, Dey said, shaking her head again. Her frizzy brown curls bounced around her shoulders. I’m not some helpless girl.

I know, Koen said. Chuckling quietly, he turned his hands over to clasp hers tightly. But you don’t have powers like I do. In a fight like that…

Don’t think that way, Dey interrupted. She smirked at him. I might not have powers, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t take care of myself.

True, Koen said, smiling at her. Lifting her hands to his lips, he kissed the back of one.

With a faint flush under her freckles, Dey mumbled, Don’t do that.

Sorry, Koen replied. Lifting his head, he stood from the couch. I should see what time it is. Your parents must be worried.

I left a note in my room. Standing quickly, Dey brushed her hands over the front of her dress. But I should go home as soon as possible.

Before that we should clean up. Breaking away from her, Koen lifted his hands. I don’t think your family would think kindly of me if I brought you home the way you look now.

What’s wrong with the way I look? Huffing, Dey put her hands on her hips. She had caked in dirt and grime in her hair along with all over her dress. An impression of that was left on the couch as well.

Well, Koen replied, looking her up and down. You look like a wild animal.

Staring at him, Dey replied, You don’t look all that different.

Chuckling quietly, Koen raked his fingers through his long bangs. Once he swept them back the bangs fell forwards again in a single curl. It bounced over his bushy eyebrows. His face and hands were covered in both blood and dirt, but she hadn’t minded it. Once he noticed it, Koen’s eyes widened. Ah, you’re right. With a quick wave of his hand, he tried to use his powers.

Dey jumped as shadow figures stepped out to meet his call. Although it wasn’t a new sight for her, it still gave her a bit of a start. Smiling slightly, the eighteen-year-old woman ran her hands down the front of her tattered dress. So, I suppose I’ll go upstairs and wash in the guest bathroom.

Feel free to use whichever one you’d like.

I’ll meet you in the kitchen afterwards.

Alright, Koen said.

Bobbing her head, Dey followed after a pair of shadow figures to the stairs. Walking up them to the second level, she turned into one of the bedroom suites. With the assistance of the helpers she was able to fill up the tub in the bathroom.

While his guest happily cleaned up, Koen orchestrated his shadow figures in order to bring the mansion to life. Though he knew that he could trust them implicitly, he couldn’t sustain their existence. Frowning at the thought of bringing others in, he walked up to the third level where his room was. There he cleaned up and changed into fresh clothing. The long black robe had a style similar to a priest’s cassock.

Dey made it back downstairs before him. Due to his powers he was able to duplicate the dress that she wore on her way to visit him, so she was able to dress in a fresh outfit. Walking westward to the kitchen, she searched for food with which to make breakfast. As she gazed out of the windows, she let a small sigh leave her lips.

Snow piled high around the mansion. Not a bit of it had melted since the snowstorm over the days before. As the light from the sun grew in strength, the reds and oranges faded to a brilliant golden tone. Bouncing off the snow it lit up the buildings nestled in the drifts.

Lost in a moment of silent admiration, Dey failed to notice the arrival of new shadow figures. When she turned around again, the long island in the middle of the kitchen was filled with food. Thank you, she murmured. Picking up a plate, she wandered around the counter.

Pushing his jet black hair away from his forehead, Koen hurried down the stairs. He wanted to make breakfast for her. Stopping short at the turn, he scratched the side of his head. Well, the sentiment is there.

You’ll have to do better than … well, yourself … to do it properly. Dey laughed as she turned to look at him. Walking over to him, she held up her plate.

Looking down at the food, Koen raised his eyebrow. Is this for me?

It could be, but you’d better take a piece before I change my mind. Dey smirked at him.

Okay, okay, Koen said. He picked up a single pancake. With a nod to the shadow figures behind the island, he scooped berries onto it then took a big bite.

Dey watched him for a moment. Her stomach growled. Turning her eyes to the plate, she ate the pancakes and berries. As she licked her fingers clean, she asked, What are we going to do about a ride into town?

One of my people is bringing around a horse and carriage, Koen replied. Are you ready to go?

With a nod, Dey put the plate down on the countertop. While the shadow people cleaned up, she walked with Koen to the front vestibule. Shivering at the change in temperature, she rubbed her hands along her arms. I almost wish that we didn’t have to go.

You could stay. While he spoke, Koen opened the closet. Smiling shyly at her, he pulled out a duplicate of her damaged coat. As he helped her into it, he said, I’d like to talk more about what you said last night.

What was that? Gazing up at the four inch taller man, Dey wrapped her fuzzy coat tightly around her body.

You know, Koen mumbled. He wrapped a thick cloak around his shoulders. Rather than push the issue, he glanced out of the window.

Blinking at him, Dey tried to remember a few of the things from the other night. The events were all jumbled together. The worst things she didn’t want to remember, so she blocked them out. The gaps in her recollection confused her. Rather than say anything she waited for him to speak again.

It’s here, Koen said, opening the door.

Dey hurried across the snow-covered ground. Looking up at the carriage, she dove inside just as soon as the shadow figure playing coachman opened the door. Shivering at the chilly seat, she pulled the blankets over her lap.

Nodding to the shadow people, Koen entered the carriage. As he settled into the seat beside Dey, the horse started off. Glancing at her, he said, It’ll be a while before we get there.

Dey nodded faintly. As the carriage traveled away from his home, she waited for him to speak again. When he didn’t hint at what he asked about before she asked, Is there anything that you want to talk about?

Opening his mouth for a moment, Koen reconsidered his response. Instead of what he wanted to say he simply said, No.

Oh, Dey said. With a slight nod, she settled back into her seat. It didn’t take long for the inside the carriage to warm up. Relaxing in the seat, she let her mind filter through the events to find the good things.

Looking out of the window, Koen watched the landscape roll past them. His home was deep in the forests to the south of the city of Ayrwode. Dey’s home was to the west of the city. As the carriage traveled northwest, Koen could catch glimpses of the western shore through the tree line.

As the snow-covered roads were trampled by other travelers, it provided some measure of direction. Not far from the seashore sat the three-story mansion. Wrapped around the outside of the home was a wrought iron fence. Underneath the snow a cobblestone path led up to the fence then continued on to the main porch. A large overhang helped keep the snow from piling up against the door. In the back were balconies, mainly on the second and third level. The third level was just for the owners of the mansion, so it had a full deck. The covered lawn had a water feature in the back. Though the water wasn’t flowing right now, the frost on the stone sparkled as it caught the light.

Just as they arrived at the gate, Dey’s eyes widened. Oh, she said, I remember.

Remember what? asked Koen.

Looking at his hopeful expression, Dey’s cheeks took a faint flush. I love you, she said softly.

I love you too, Koen said. Lowering his head for a moment, he laughed. I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to say it again.

Oh you, Dey mumbled. She rubbed her hands on her cheeks. What are we going to do?

I’m going to ask your mother and step-father for your hand. Do you mind?

No, of course not.

Koen let out a quick breath. That’s a relief. I want to have your family approve of me too. I think that asking your parents for their blessing is the best way to do that.

Okay, but I’m sure that they will approve, Dey said, smiling at him. She turned to the door as the shadow person opened it. With a quick step, she hopped out then ran across the snowy ground. She skipped up to the front door.

At the sound of the gate opening, Thorongil and Carine looked out from the upper window. Neither of them knew the carriage, but they were expecting Dey to return home around this time of day. To be hospitable the servants let the visitors come inside. Once they saw that it was the master’s step-daughter they quickly informed the parents. The youths were sent to a cozy sitting room.

Though Dey wanted to sit beside Koen, she opted not to just yet. Seated in a single chair beside the one he chose, she held her hands in her lap. With her fingers twisting nervously there, she waited for her parents to arrive.

Likewise Koen glanced around the room. Though his nerves seemed to be contained, his heart beat wildly in his chest. He rubbed his hands over the tops of his knees. The moment that the couple appeared at the entrance to the room, he stood.

Smiling happily, the redheaded woman walked over to them. I’m glad to see that you’ve come back, Dey. When her daughter stood, Carine wrapped her arms around her. Except for the shape of their faces, the two didn’t look all that much alike. Her tame curls framed her blue eyes and pale skin. She was two inches shorter as well, only five foot two inches. Once she broke away from Dey, she looked at her companion. Oh my, Koen you’ve grown so tall.

Yes ma’am, Koen said.

Walking to Carine’s side, Thorongil placed his hand on Dey’s shoulder. We were worried, even though the servants found the note in your room.

I’m sorry, Dey said, lowering her head.

Smiling at Dey, Thorongil patted her shoulder. I was young once, so I think I know how you’re feeling. Please though, next time let someone go with you. This isn’t the city you know.

Lifting her head, Dey said, Yes sir.

There, now that that’s over with, Thorongil said with a chuckle. Tell me about this man you’ve brought home. Gesturing to the seats, he folded his six foot tall frame into one of the loveseats. He put one arm around his wife. His other hand stroked his goatee. The chestnut brown strands contrasted nicely with his pale skin. As he watched Koen, his green eyes kept a close watch. The dark circles around his eyes made his gaze seem sharper.

Swallowing deeply, Koen sat back down. My name is Koen Alajos. I used to live in Dhoire when I was young. Dey and I were childhood friends.

I remember hearing something along those lines, Thorongil said.

Yes, Carine said. I remember that time.

I didn’t expect him to come back, Dey said softly. Biting her lower lip, she lowered her eyes to her lap. It was a shock.

It was more of a shock to me when I found out that you’d suddenly gone traveling. Pursing her plump lips, Carine stared at her daughter. What happened?

It was with me, Koen replied.

Dey lifted her gaze as she replied, That’s right. We went south to Jetur to visit his friends. They’re the closest thing to family that he has.

Smiling weakly, Koen bobbed his head. I hope you can forgive me for spiriting her away. It was childish of me.

You are both adults, so you don’t have to ask for permission, Carine said.

Taking the cue, Thorongil added, But it would be nice to know if you’re going to be taking any other trips. We just want to be sure that you are safe whether you’re with us or with your friends.

Yes sir, Dey said.

Yes sir, Koen repeated.

Watching the pair, Carine clapped her hands together. Good. Now that that’s taken care of we can move on to a happier subject. You have a home here in Ayrwode, don’t you Koen?

Yes ma’am, Koen replied. I barely finished it before winter set in. I’m still working to fill it with furniture and things.

It’s a nice place, Dey said.

I’d like to see it, Carine said.

As would I, Thorongil added.

That would be nice, Koen said, shifting in his seat. I’m a little short staffed at the moment, but once the weather warms up hopefully I can have some workers to help with entertaining.

Oh Koen, don’t worry about that. Dey placed her hand on top of his. You know that I don’t care about material things.

It’s not just for you, Dey, Koen replied, smiling at her.

Clearing his throat, Thorongil said, I don’t mind waiting to see it.

Glancing between them, Carine asked, Is there something more that you’d like to tell us?

Something of a more personal nature? asked Thorongil.

Ah, yes, there is something that I’d like to ask both of you. Koen clasped Dey’s hand tightly. As you know, Dey and I are friends.

Yes, Dey said as her parents nodded.

Well, Koen said, I’d like to pursue a romantic relationship with her.

Oh? Thorongil raised his eyebrow. Dear, what do you think?

That is so sweet, Carine said, hugging her husband. When are you two going to marry?

Marry? Dey squeaked.

I haven’t formally asked her that, but… Koen spoke with a stutter.

I think you might have thought ahead too far my dear. Chuckling softly, Thorongil rubbed his wife’s shoulder.

Carine replied, I think that it is a perfect time. She glanced between her daughter and Koen. I can see that they have something special together.

Nodding at her words, Thorongil said, That sounds like a yes from us, Koen. What do you think, Dey?

With a shy smile, Dey replied, I love him.

I love her too, Koen said. Thank you sir, ma’am.

Smiling at him, Carine said, Koen you can call me Carine, just like you used to.

And you can call me Mister Tapuitea, Thorongil said.

That’s so formal, Carine said.

Shrugging, Thorongil replied, I don’t know him as well as you two do. Once I get to know you better, Koen, I’ll let you call me by my first name. You might even skip to Father, if you and Dey marry.

Oh, Father, Dey said. Blushing slightly, she covered one cheek with her other hand.

But until then you two are courting, Carine said, looking between the two youths. I expect you two to act in a way that appears honorable to the outside world.

So no running off with him, Thorongil said.

Yes, I know, Dey said.

Nodding, Koen said, I understand Mister Tapuitea. May I visit your home when I’m not working on mine?

Yes, you may, replied Thorongil. I suggest that you take advantage of the winter to complete your work.

Dey tightened her grip on Koen’s hand then released it. Smiling at him, she bobbed her head. Don’t worry about me. I’ll still be here.

Okay, Koen said.

In the meanwhile, have lunch with us, Carine said.

Thank you, I’d appreciate it.

Good, Thorongil said. I’d like to show you around. With a nod to his wife and step-daughter, he held his hand out to Koen. Alone if I may.

Yes sir, Koen said. With a brief smile at Dey and a nod at Carine, he followed Thorongil out of the sitting room.

Leading the younger man through the mansion, Thorongil took him to a niche under the stairs. Here is fine. There aren’t many quiet places out in public.

I have a feeling that I won’t be getting a tour, Koen murmured.

Chuckling quietly, Thorongil made sure that they were mostly out of sight. Standing beside him, the older man clasped his hands behind his back. A very small tour perhaps. Ideally I’d take you outside, but the weather isn’t the best for that. If you became sick after today I don’t think that Dey would forgive me.

As long as I can see her, I don’t care what tests you put in front of me.

I like that you’re determined, but I must warn you about one thing.

What is it?

Staring at him, Thorongil replied, If you do anything to hurt my daughter then I and all my family will do anything that we have to in order to avenge her.

Koen swallowed deeply as his heart skipped a beat. I understand, sir, he said with a quick nod.

Good, Thorongil said. He placed his hand on the shoulder of his son-to-be. Take care of Dey and all will be well. In the meanwhile, go ahead and create a home for the two of you in the place you built down south. You two love each other.

Thank you. I’ll do everything that I can for her.

Good, Thorongil repeated. He dropped his hand from the other man’s shoulder. Are you sure that you have everything well in hand?

I will, Koen replied, nodding.

Alright then, Thorongil said. Glancing out of the niche, he continued, We should probably stay out here another ten minutes or so. After that you can say goodbye.

Farewell for now, Koen murmured. Though the wait made him nervous, he did as his future father-in-law asked.

Unable to wait, Dey left her mother’s side to search for them. Catching sight of the two men in the corner, she stopped and blinked. What are you two doing?

Just admiring the space, Koen replied quickly.

Thorongil nodded. Yes, this home has been lived in for generations. We’ve collected many things. It still manages to work even after all that time.

How sweet, Carine said as she walked out to join them.

Very, Dey said with a soft chuckle.

Glancing behind them at one of his servants, Thorongil said, I see that lunch is ready. Looking back at the young couple, he took his wife’s arm. Let’s go eat.

That sounds wonderful, Koen said, offering his arm to his fiancée. Once Dey took it, he followed the parents into the dining area.

Though Koen felt a little awkward about meeting Dey’s new family, he had a good meal with them. When it was done he said farewell to them. Returning to his mansion, the young man got to work on turning his created space into a proper home.

Meanwhile Dey stayed at the other building. It would be tough to go without seeing her fiancé for weeks at a time, but she resolved to put the time alone to good use. Her step-father and his family had a decent sized library so she focused on learning everything that she could. The more that she knew the better she could protect herself … and him.

Outside the city the hunters licked their wounds. With the freezing cold weather everyone had to find shelter. Being of extremely small stature, the bat-winged people could gather in the smallest of places. In the deep dark part of the forest the group found a cave underneath the tree roots where they could all gather.

We are deeply saddened at the loss of our people, the leader said.

The gathered figures each let out a cry in mourning. Though they each wore dark gray cloaks over their bodies, the look of each person was similar. The females had pointed ears. The males had leathery wings. Only the royals had both. They needed every advantage to continue their line.

But we must continue, the leader said. Lifting his hands, he waved them above his head. We need to make sure that Koen Alajos does not turn against us. We need his power to strengthen our own. Do whatever is necessary to regain it, even if it means only watching his development from a distance.

Bowing to their leader, the bat-winged people retreated from the cave. Fanning out through the forest in pairs, the teams searched for other places to hide. Their target lived on the outside edge of Ayrwode. A rare few of the pairs dared to enter the main part of the city. They weren’t exactly welcome. While they weren’t openly attacked, the bat-winged people were encouraged to return to the outskirts.

From above the cave another type of winged people watched the group disperse. Blending into the snow, the much taller figures were wrapped up in off-white cloaks. Their hair was likewise white, paler than their pale skin. Pressed against each other they watched from their shelter in the snow-dusted branches.

Not good, the female said.

The male nodded. We have to keep watch over them, just in case they push things too far.

Yes, we don’t want war, the female said.

Stretching out his feathered wings, the male prepared to soar. Once his partner wrapped her arms around his shoulders, he took off into the sky. With the bat-wings on the move again it wouldn’t be long before the bird-wings would have to join in the fight.

Chapter 2

Even though many people in the city celebrated the New Year’s arrival, a few stores were still open. As her father went out to join the others, Moeka remained in their furniture shop. Though the party went on outside people still had to be able to go inside the shop to collect their presents.

One of the many visitors was Koen. Smiling as he opened the door, the young man looked through the maze of furniture. Moeka? Are you here?

Yes, Moeka replied. Throwing up a hand, the tan-skinned woman showed her position in the maze. As she walked out, her long blonde hair waved in the ponytail behind her.

Ah, good, Koen said. Smiling still, he wandered to the information desk a few feet away from the front door. How are things here?

Quiet, but it’s to be expected. Chuckling softly, Moeka looked him over with her soft green eyes. Even though she’d been rejected, she still liked the man. They were only about a year apart in age.

Are you going out to the celebration in the city square?

No, but my family is out there. Walking to the desk, Moeka leaned against the other side. She wore a traditional sort of outfit with a corset over a long dress. Her accessories were a smooth collar and beaded bracelets. Tilting her head to the side, she glanced past him to the door. Where is Dey?

Oh, we’re meeting up later. Do you have it?

Of course, Moeka said. Dropping her hand to the desk drawer, she pulled out a wooden box. I kept it safe for you.

Thank you, Koen said softly. Reaching out his hand, he took the ring box from her. Tucking it into his belt, he handed over a piece of silver.

Watching him, Moeka tilted her head. "Have you made the ring