A Whirlwind of Passed Lifetimes

By Kimberly Vogel

Time passes by too quickly for Rune's tastes. Her time might be frozen, but her mortal friends continue to age. The spirits she works with don't have the same sense of time. Her timeline becomes theirs, but the extra time doesn't bring her any closer to stopping her brother. With him protected by his master, how many lives will it take before Rune can stop him? (The third book in Rune's story)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 6, 2012
• ISBN: 9781300146711

Book preview

A Whirlwind of Passed Lifetimes

A Whirlwind of Passed Lifetimes

Copyright

Copyright © 2012 by Kimberly Vogel.

Softcover  978-1-300-14671-1

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.

CONTENTS

Part 1

Biding my Time

Chapter  1 – Plans with Interesting People

Chapter  2 – Building Home

Chapter  3 – Threads in a Tapestry

Chapter  4 – Old Friends and Older Enemies

Chapter  5 – Can I Call This Home?

Part 2

A Shift in Perspective

Chapter  1 – They Fall Like Dominoes

Chapter  2 – An Unexpected Turn of Events

Chapter  3 – Is it Just Me, Or...

Chapter  4 – A Trio of Troublemakers

Chapter  5 – A Fire Burns Dimly

Part 3

I Still Don’t Like you

Chapter  1 – Life Outside of Normal

Chapter  2 – Slow Yet Steady

Chapter  3 – War and Rumors of War

Chapter  4 – Creeper

Chapter  5 – Just Like Me

Part 1 – Biding my Time

Chapter 1 – Plans with Interesting People

WPL Ch 01 BW.tif

With a deep breath taken in, a lone figure stared down from a craggy peak. If I’m really going to live for a long while, I should find a place to settle. I don’t like the idea of being attached to a permanent place, though. It will make me vulnerable... The young woman’s nose wrinkled up. She was older now, but her looks hadn’t aged past nineteen. It had only been two years, though, so she couldn’t expect to look that much different in such a short time.

Spread before her, a barren landscape went well over the northern sight. Behind her, a vast mountain range in a horseshoe shape ran east and west. Inside of that horseshoe was the central river, which gave life to the land of Tsubasa. The central river ran southeast along the main continent into the eastern sea far away from this country.

The young woman’s black eyes narrowed while her gray lips curled to a scowl. Much like the dusty brown landscape, she had varying shades of all one neutral tone. She wore black, just like her shoulder length hair. A very pale gray tone made up her skin. Where can I hide? I can’t set up in the city or in the usual haunts. She shook her head then ran her fingers through the chin length bangs. Eh, suppose I should visit an old friend for lunch anyway. With that, she hopped down the rocks to the city of Jacot.

This city on the northern edge of the mountain range held one very important being within its borders. Aloysia held the place for the spirit of battle on this side of the veil. She and her servant Semadar lived on the outskirts so the training wouldn’t interfere with the people’s daily life.

As Rune wound through the stones, she left the buildings that formed into the mountainside behind her. The flat plain opened up. Days away, meadow ran before the seashore. She had a good view until she made it down to the tents that made up the battleground respite. Beyond those canvas shelters were a variety of training equipment. Rune’s expression eased as she saw the artificial forest spread out to the east. There were plenty of people who came to train, including her.

Outside of the main tent, a tan female ran around with a broom in hand. The barren stretch could get fairly dusty, so it was best to sweep the tents out every day. That wasn’t the only task for her, though. She did everything for the avatar of the spirit of battle.

Semadar!

With a blink, she turned her green eyes towards the echoing voice. A slight laugh left the mid-twenty year old woman’s lips. Rune! I didn’t expect for you to return so soon.

I didn’t want to miss the fighting. With a grin, she put her hand up in a wave. It’s in June now I hear.

Yes, Aloysia wanted to take advantage of the early summer air. It’s mixing with the Summer Festival. Balin is going to make an appearance then.

It’ll be good to see her again.

She’s pretty busy. Semadar said while she leaned her weight against the handle of the broom.

She’s always busy, isn’t she? With a chuckle, Rune folded her arms across her chest.

Well, yes, Semadar laughed. She has to keep in shape.

Something I don’t have to worry all that much about.

Mm...I see you’re still tall and lanky, Semadar said with a slight grin.

You’re still short, Rune replied with a slight smirk. It was true. Rune herself was two inches shy of six feet, but all of the running around she did kept her form in a wiry nature.

I’m as tall as I can be, Semadar replied. She was half a foot shorter, though a few years elder. With her pigtailed braids, the redhead originally from Sharne still looked younger than she was too. 

Alright, let’s stop teasing. Rune dropped her hands to her waist. With a sleeveless top over a silver belted skirt, she wasn’t wearing much. It was just enough with the summer heat.

Sure, Semadar replied as she straightened her body. With the broom swung over one shoulder of her pumpkin colored t-shirt, she gestured to the tent. Would you like any refreshment?

No, I’m good, but thank you.

So... Semadar shifted her weight from one white and brown leather shoe to the other. While she moved, one hip unconsciously popped out to the side in her short brown pants. Do you want to take one of our tents?

That I’d like, Rune said while she bowed.

Oh come on, you don’t have to do that. Semadar waved her hand with a laugh. You’re one of the champions around here. You can take a room in her tent without having to ask permission.

Rune shrugged and rested one hand on top of the brown leather pouch at her hip. It doesn’t hurt either.

Fine, come on in. Semadar turned and pulled open the flap at the entrance. Either side held a potted bush, a fairly common sight amongst those with the means to keep the plant life fed with precious water.

With a slight nod, Rune followed the redhead. In through the first tent and following through to the second they went. It was in this entryway that Aloysia held court for Balin. A delicately embroidered rug stretched across the floor of each of the tents. Here plush cushions provided extra support for the bottoms. Various other accessories made the place cozy. I notice a few things have changed.

Not much...the rug does tend to get worn out fairly often though. Semadar chuckled faintly. She gestured to a flap. We changed the way the tents are arranged a little bit.

Tell me.

The kitchen’s here with my room behind it. Aloysia’s room is in the middle. Then there are two guest tents on the far side. If it gets too busy then we’ll attach more on the back.

I see.

Semadar bobbed her head slightly. With a quick glance at Rune she said, Go ahead and drop your bag in one of the rooms. I’ve got to start dinner.

Thanks, Rune said with a slight wave. She turned and wandered to the second flap. Once she passed through she went to the first room. For all of the guests it held a similar form: a pallet in the corner with a short table by the head and a small trunk underneath that. Rune walked over to the far side of the bed. She pulled the blanket back from the pillow. Then she slid the trunk out from underneath the table. With her backpack put into the trunk, she tugged the piece of furniture to the other corner. Mm... Maybe I should have brought more with me. With a slight sigh, she shook her head and left the tent entirely.

In the late afternoon hours there were many who fought out on the training grounds. It wouldn’t become too dark another four hours at least. While training could be done after sunset, it was agreed around here that it stopped so everyone could rest and patch up their exercise wounds. The training groups ranged from single targets to group melee.

Much like the very first time they met, the spirit of battle’s avatar was engaged in a little friendly competition. The style this time had no weapons. With fists flying, the strikes went in a quick succession. Aloysia was also a redhead. Her bangs were held back by her ears with gold hairpins. The same metal held her long pigtails at the nape of her neck. With each turn, her pale skin shifted under her light armor. Her blue eyes darted from person to person while she fought off the three attackers.

A light chuckle left Rune’s lips. She watched as the other fought the woman who wore naught more than a leather bikini under her armor. Most of the youths who came here were drawn more out of curiosity than the desire to fight. Once they got over the staring they usually went straight into the training. This young woman came for a social visit instead.

Time went by quicker than she thought as the battle went on. Eventually Aloysia ended up with all three men on the ground cringing in pain at various parts of their body being too bruised to fight any longer. With a light laugh, the avatar stood over the others while she held out her hand. It was a good fight... You’d better get a poultice from the healer.

Yes Mistress Aloysia, one of the fighters replied. He hopped up to his feet then wrapped his arm tightly to his chest with his other one.

If you can, help each other.

Yes Mistress Aloysia, replied another. He slowly worked his way up, though he was limping. The third with one eye quickly swelling helped him away.

Rune shook her head while she folded her arms across her chest. I see things haven’t changed around here.

I’m glad. Otherwise I’d have to retire.

We can’t have that.

Aloysia let a laugh ring past her plump lips. She walked over to Rune. At four inches shorter, she was around average height for her kind. The redhead tilted her head back so she looked up at Rune. Nice to hear that. So, have you come back for training?

Eh, not so much that as some advice, Rune replied while she rubbed her hand on the back of her head. Do you mind?

Not at all. Aloysia glanced back at the others then waved her hand. I’ll be right back! She returned her gaze to Rune while she started towards the tents. Let’s get to a more private place.

Thank you.

Aloysia led the way into her tent. In the common room she flopped down into a large red cushion. She unfastened her armguards, belt, and shin guards. That made up the majority of her armor. She set them to the side then relaxed. So what did you need advice on?

Once Rune was inside, she took a seat on a blue cushion across from her. You know my, ah, unique situation.

Yes.

Well, I’m going to try to set up a place somewhere. I want to go after my brother again, but I don’t want to be too close. Do you know of anywhere that would be good for me to settle in?

I don’t know why you’d come to me for that. Aloysia laughed and shook her head. Seven would know best, but you can’t really ask that spirit since he’s the one you’re fighting to get your brother back. After that it would be the triplets...

The three sides of the mind... Rune murmured. Her nose wrinkled up. It makes me dizzy the way they talk.

Peace, Chaos, and Neutrality... They are a little nuts, but they do mean well.

It makes me nervous when I have to call on their sister Insanity to make sense of it all.

She’s not really insane, just the epitome of impulsiveness. Aloysia chuckled faintly.

And Zaccur’s always telling me to stop being impulsive, Rune replied with a shake of her head.

The spirit of battle’s avatar laughed, Maybe you should go there to weigh out all of your options.

Maybe, but I don’t really want to.

I can’t force you, but you did ask for advice.

So I did. Rune sighed. She dropped her head into her hand. I suppose I’ll travel over to Mintha.

I’m sure my brothers would love to see you.

No doubt. I don’t want to go wearing frilly clothes, though.

I hope they’re still not on that style choice. I absolutely refuse to let them put me in anything other than my traditional garb. Aloysia shook her head. Anyway, until then, enjoy your stay here.

Thank you, Rune said while she lifted her head. I won’t bother you too much.

Nonsense, you won’t be a bother. Aloysia laughed. She picked up her armor then pulled it on. I better get back out. You’re welcome to train with us you know.

I know.

With a slight wave, the avatar for the spirit of battle left. Outside, the sound of the others greeting her echoed even into the canvas tent. The training would continue until dinner. After that it would continue until dark. Tomorrow at dawn it would start all over again.

Though she had the intention to stay only overnight, Rune’s interaction with others in the camp delayed her by a few days. Eventually she packed up and left. There was one other city, Haines, on her travel west through the barren landscape. After the city situated halfway on the western mountain range, she traveled across nothing but dead space. The end of an outcropping of forest that swept northwest held the city of Mintha. Directly south on the opposite side of the thin line of forest was the city of Cheney in the country of Everly. Directly west beyond Mintha was the country of Sharne. It was desert and the seashore to the north and south.

As Rune traveled she tried to keep out of sight. The overnight stay with her friend Elma in Haines had tipped off the ones who watched her, however. Even if Rune didn’t openly oppose the growing control of the Thanatos at the moment, the leaders still wanted to know what she was up to.

With a slight chuckle at the news, Seven shifted in his throne. He had settled underground to the southeast of where she currently was. At the western side of the central river in the mountain closest to it the city of Inachus rested. The settlement Seven currently rested in was a little further south of it, on the edge of the forest border by the neighboring country of Everly.

Do you want us to give chase, Master?

No, replied the stern spirit. He brushed a strand of coarse hair from his white skin. The black eyes underneath stared at the masked figure knelt before him. Just watch her. Do not interfere.

Yes, Master, said the masked man. He bowed deeper then retreated. At the doorway the second of the pair joined him. They left to report.

The spirit stretched out his six foot two inch tall form. One leg remained draped over the armrest while the other fell down. A slight smirk danced across his lips as he lifted his gaze to the quiet masked man beside his throne. She’s coming closer.

I knew my sister would come this way eventually, Master. Even as Mask spoke, the twisted mouth openings didn’t betray whether the speaker frowned or smiled behind the pale green mask. The narrowed eye openings glowed red against it. The man’s black hair fell straight to his shoulders. He wore a purple robe hinting to his former status as royalty.

Of course, Mask, but she hasn’t tried anything in years. Do you think she’ll get farther this time?

You let her come extremely close last time, Master. With each word, the six foot tall man kept his voice near monotone.

I did. She did very well in getting here. A slight sigh left the spirit’s lips. He rose from his throne. With his hands clasped at his back, the forty year old appearing man held a slight smirk on his lips. We showed her that she doesn’t have as much power as she thought. Fighting alone...what folly.

What will you do now?

I’ll watch and wait. When she sees she needs me she’ll come back. I’m willing to wait.

Can you wait forever?

If that’s what it takes.

The masked man nodded slightly. Behind the face covering a slight frown turned his lips. Though he couldn’t go against his master, his heart ached for the sister born after he left his family. She was fifteen years his junior. The only time they’d met was that one time years ago.

The last thing Rune wanted was a repeat of the last time. While she had survived, the experience rattled her to her core. She knew her brother was bound to serve the spirit Seven, but the depths of those chains he wore she found she couldn’t overcome. She had done some good for others, but the ultimate goal was still far, far away from her grasp. With a shake of her head, Rune strode across the wasteland until she found the closest forest. There she could calm herself before she entered the city of Mintha to converse with the triplets. The fourth sibling wouldn’t be there since she lived in Inachus, but Rune wasn’t about to divert to there even for moral support.

Balance had been restored to the landscape with the return of the water spirit to the open central river rather than the underground passageways. What little forest Tsubasa did have flourished now. The forest on the east side of the central river was twice the size of that on the western side, but the people made do how they could. The richer people lived inside of the forest, mainly in wood structures rather than the usual Tsubasan stone.

As Rune traveled, she scanned over the stone buildings of those not so wealthy. Despite their meager means, whether it was stone or braided grasses, the decorations around the windows and doors showed their individual style. A slight smile turned the young woman’s lips. It’s very different than what I’m used to, but that might be a good thing.

South beyond the forest was the location she needed to get to. The mansion held all three triplets along with their single butler. There were more servants, but Rune had only caught rare glimpses of the otherworldly figures. There were of little consequence as they didn’t speak to anyone except the masters of the house. The head servant, Alin, was the one to be afraid of. A year elder and the same height, he also appeared similar to her. The major difference in their looks was his pale blue eyes and fair toned skin. He still had the same black hair, though, as evident to his Lower Tsubasan heritage.

I wonder if he’s changed much. Surely he has. He’s well into adult at twenty-two. Rune smiled broadly. I can’t wait to see him. Her voice rang out a little louder than she intended. With a quick glance around, she looked for anyone who might have heard. Nothing more than the usual forest animals seemed to be around, so Rune returned to the path.

A picket fence made of wood marked her arrival to the edge of their property. At the gate a brick path led from it to the southern front of the three-story building. All along the sides of the path were many evergreen bushes. At the front, three steps led up to a covered porch. The roof was tan shingles while the walls were gray stone. In the center of the porch an arched doorway led into the home. From left to right a red, purple, and then blue stone was set in the top of it. While the door’s window had a circular form, the rest of the house had square window frames each made of wood.

Well nothing’s changed so far, Rune muttered while she stepped up to the front porch. It’s got to be different inside... In a moment’s hesitation, she stood in front of the door with one hand clasped around the strap of her backpack. She shifted from one foot to the other. With her mind made up, Rune rapped her knuckles on the wooden portal then waited.

The knock on the door was expected, but the arrival still brought about a flurry of activity. Most of it went unseen, but the three avatars of the spirits hustled across the stone floor openly in the entryway. Each had the same look, though their color palettes were completely different. As with the other avatar, they were older than their twenty-two year guise. Once they were done, they hid behind one of the wooden pillars.

Go!

We’ll be right here, the tan avatar spoke after the pale one.

With a slight grin, the dark avatar continued, Send Rune to one of our playrooms.

Yes, Masters, replied the head butler. Alin walked through the pillars to the front door. From an aerial view, the columns formed a diamond shape in contrast to the main floor’s rectangular shape. Then the young man opened the door.

With a smile on her lips, Rune lifted her free hand in a wave. Hello Alin, long time no see. How are you?

Rune, replied the dark haired man with a smile. He stepped back slightly and gestured inside. Come in. I’m doing well, thank you. How have you been?

I’ve been well, thanks. Rune stepped inside then glanced around. Glad to hear you’ve been good. Are the triplets home?

Yes, they’re upstairs. They would like for you to go up there when you’re ready.

Oh, Rune murmured. She smiled while she looked over his outfit. It was the same as before with a red vest created by the fabric used with the black dress shirt. Long black trousers covered the rest of him with black leather shoes buckled in silver on his feet. Well that you. I suppose things haven’t changed around here.

Not particularly, replied Alin. He closed the door behind her. We still have your dress.

You know I don’t like to wear frilly clothes. Rune’s nose wrinkled up while she shook her head.

Yes, but...

No, Rune said as she put her hand up to silence him. I don’t want to wear it.

A slight sigh left Alin’s lips, but the caretaker bowed his head. I’ll lead you to their room then.

Thank you Alin.

The butler turned to the pillars. There was just enough room that the two of them could walk side by side into the next section of the main floor. In the center of the diamond pillars were staircases that went up into the higher levels. The second level held the triplets’ playrooms. Guests’ bedrooms were included in that category. Up on the third story was strictly the bedroom of each individual triplet. Alin stopped at the second level then wandered down the east-west hallway. The far end of each side of the hallway held a single window in the wall.

As she followed, Rune’s nose wrinkled up. The place hadn’t changed at all. There was a red door to the left, then a purple door was straight ahead, and then a blue door was to the right. Directly across from them were matching doors on the south side of the building. The north side of the building held the bathrooms while the south side of the building held the playrooms. Each triplet had his own room, which was marked by the color on the door.

They await you here, Alin said while he gestured to the middle door. He stepped to the purple portal then turned the handle. Once opened, he waited for Rune to go in before he closed it behind her.

Rune narrowed her eyes while