The Beginning: Book One of the Sapphire Staff

By Chris Dyer

Instead of using the normal channels, the author has taken comments from the manuscript readers who are normal members of the public. As he says they are the people that are important and will be the ones to buy the book.

The characters were brilliant, the story line was thrilling and the plot twists through the book, kept it by my side so that any moment of free time I could start reading. I could not bear to put it down. I absolutely loved it! Renee Bolz.

Probably the most intriguing piece of work in the modern world of literature... I’m a fan! Abraham

What can I say? I’m hooked, cleverly imaginative, full of suspense, loved the characters, looking forward to seeing the manuscript for the sequel. Alfonse.

Loved the book now waiting for the movie (and the sequel)! Sam.

Can one boy hold the fate of the world in his hands? Can a “chance” meeting change his life? Marvin is just a boy trying to survive in a devastated world. But Marvin is no ordinary 16 year old as he is soon to discover.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Jun 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483449524

Chris Dyer

Chris Dyer has worked around horses for most of his life. As a young man he learnt a lot from older horsemen (whom he affectionately calls 'Old Boys') who showed him what nature had to offer and how it could be put to use. Through his love of horses, he has got to know many Gypsies, who have shared with him their traditional cures that had been handed down through generations. Chris has trained Arabian racehorses and pre trained Thoroughbreds, and lived in Africa for several years where he organized the setting up of a wildlife reserve, learning a great deal more about natural remedies. He is passionate about his subject, which has earned him the nickname 'The Mad Scientist' among some of his friends in the horse world.

Book preview

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The

BEGINNING

BOOK ONE THE SAPPHIRE STAFF

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Chris Dyer

For every beginning there is an end,

But for every end, there must also be another beginning.

Copyright © 2016 C Dyer.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means---whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic---without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-4953-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-4952-4 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 05/19/2016

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

I dedicate this book to its readers, without you we would not exist,

because we as authors tend to forget that without you we would

not be! You, by reading our words and using your imagination fire the writer's imagination. Thank you.

CHAPTER ONE

M arvin stared through the thick glass window, the tantalising smell of freshly baked bread, pies and cakes drifting through the air, making his mouth water uncontrollably. Why he tortured himself he did not know, he had stood there his eyes fixed on the meat pies, and pastries that were laid out in the window before him. He must have been there for at least ten minutes, his stomach aching with hunger, his mouth watering as his imagination ran riot. His hands shook at the thought of bringing one of those pies to his mouth. Why was he doing this to himself? He thought. He had no coin, nothing to trade except his blade and bow, and without that survival would be almost impossible, regardless of whether his hunger was slated for a moment. He turned to go feeling downhearted but determined to take himself away from the temptation, he would, he decided, have to return to the Wild Lands, at least there he knew how to survive, a rabbit or pheasant could be caught, and occasionally if he was lucky even a wild pig, the vision of biting into a piece of roast pork passed before his eyes. He grinned, telling himself, What made me come to the town... stupid! Me I'm a country boy and that's where I belong in the Wild Lands, he sniffed the air, at least the air is cleaner, towns smell... garbage and much worse! You thought just because you could read, you would be treated like a hero and showered with coin. Bah, what a fool I am! He had taken only two steps when the hand touched his shoulder. It was strange, he tried to pull away, for the hand was laid only gently upon him, but it was as though he had been rooted to the spot. The hand did not grip, it was simply and gently touching his shoulder. Yet there he was frozen. Anger coursed through his veins. Get off.... I ain't done nothin'. I was only looking is all! He made another fruitless attempt to pull away but to no avail. He turned his head looking carefully trying to see the face of the cowled figure whose hand rested upon him, but the face was hidden under the shadow of the hood. Only the eyes were visible, bright blue, piercing, hard and cold, and yet there was a gentleness, a kindness behind the cold intense blue. The eyes bore into him, seeming to read his very thoughts. Marvin found himself feeling quite unsettled. It was like they had met and yet never met, a stranger, yet uncomfortably familiar. Marvin if I release you and you can find it within yourself to trust me... you shall have your pie, or bread, or cake whichever you prefer, in fact, all if you wish, but you shall have to trust me. Will you do that?

How do you know my name? Why would you spend coin to buy me food when you don't know me, what do you want with me? Marvin stared defiantly at the hooded figure.

So many questions from so young a mind, it was as though the figure was talking to himself, a good sign if I may say so, an active mind, good. He cleared his throat. One minute of your time and I shall go and purchase something for you to eat, my word upon it, then a further five minutes of your time, as you eat and listen to what I have to say... if I speak of nothing that you find interesting. Then we shall both go our separate ways, if I say something of interest, then maybe we shall enjoy each other's company for a little longer and the only cost you shall bear is time.

Marvin considered for a while. There was always danger in this world, but his stomach screamed at him to take the chance, it was after all only the loss of a few minutes... what harm could that do. There was something... he could not put his finger on it, but there was something, that drew him to the old man. It was only an old man after all, and if the worst came to the worst he had his blade, so he was certain he could get away. Marvin agreed and true to his word the cowled figure entered the shop without another word or hesitation. Marvin waited nervously, his stomach telling him still to wait, his head telling him to run for all he was worth, his feet however still stayed firmly rooted to the ground and even though he tried to move, his feet remained frozen to the spot.

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The wind whipped the long hair against the rider's face, making it stick in wisps to the sweat that beaded her skin, but that was of little matter, there was only one concern and that was for the creature that pursued her. She had spent five days and nights riding hard, resting only to take a quick bite and to care for her horse. She knew it had been in vain, both she and her horse were close to exhaustion, and the creature was gaining fast. It was as though it had planned to tire her first, she knew that it was only a matter of time before it caught up with her. She desperately needed to get to the town and meet with her father, everything depended on it, but she also knew she would have to stop and face this creature, it was gaining on her far too quickly... if she failed... well then all was lost... If she succeeded then the delay may cause her to miss him, and that could prove just as disastrous. She had little choice, it would catch her before she reached her goal, she knew. So perhaps it may prove easier to face it now? She spoke softly to her horse, Dancer, steady boy, it is time for us to fight! The muscled chestnut stallion slowed his gait coming gently to a standstill, his sweating sides heaving but his eyes bright and alert. He turned his head and nuzzled the leg of the woman rider, whickering reassuringly as he did so. Throwing her leg over the side of the stallion, she slid from the lightweight saddle she was so proud of. Legend said that it had once been owned by the greatest rider that had ever lived, she didn't know who he was, or why he had been hailed as the greatest rider, all she knew is that he had won many races before the end times, more than any other. He had won some famous race, called the Derby a record number of times but she had been far too busy with other matters to take notice of such things. But her pride in owning the saddle and caring for it for so many years though it had so many repairs it was hardly original was still her pleasure. Shielding her eyes against the sun, she scanned the horizon back to the tree line that lay around 10 klicks from where she stood, straining her eyes hard she slowly scanned the landscape again. The heat haze made it difficult, and at first she saw nothing, then a flash, as the suns reflection hit metal. He had gained ground much quicker than she had expected or realised. She calculated how long before the creature reached them. At least one and a half hours she estimated. Again she wondered if she could out run it but knew she was fooling herself, she could not, it was still over two days hard ride to the town, and both she and the horse were exhausted. She would make her stand here. Removing the water bag and her pack from the stallion, she searched for a cooking bowl and after filling it with water, offered it to the stallion. He drew long draughts, slurping as he did so, his head never leaving the bowl until all the water had gone. The rider repeated the action again, this time taking only a small amount in the bowl and slaking her own thirst. She removed the tack from her horse and released him to eat the sweet grass that covered the plain upon which they stood. His head went down, keen to eat, but his eyes and ears remained vigilant. The woman took some hard cheese from the pack and a slice of cooked meat, settling down to eat herself, though she constantly looked in the direction of her last sighting of the creature. Well, if we are to fight, I had just as well do so on a full belly, and in truth this is a beautiful spot! She looked towards the horse, then at her surroundings. Today is a good day to die. She said aloud, loosening the vicious looking sword that hung from the belt at her waist, the slightly curved blade glistened in the sun as she drew it and checked its edge. The horse pawed the ground and whinnied, seemingly in the knowledge of what was to come.

After eating, the exhaustion subsided slightly, and feeling a little refreshed she stood and slowly started to go through a series of exercises to relax her muscles. She knew that this was to be a hard battle. Slegs were strong and half her size again, this one, appeared to be a giant, it looked as though it was twice her size. The Sleg Council must be very concerned to have tracked her so quickly, and to have sent such a formidable foe to stop her. Normally they would have sent a small party of Goblin, not one of their own, this one must, she surmised, be from the elite Council Guard. Squinting against the sun she saw the Sleg was now only two or three klicks away, he was moving quickly eager to reach her, she could almost feel his anticipation. Well he would not win easily, nor would he be left unscathed, if he won he would still pay dearly. Her biggest regret was that she could only use her sword for fear of alerting anyone close enough to feel her, she could not risk using her other abilities, it may jeopardise her mission and put her father in danger or worse her son. She gritted her teeth and took a fighting stance bending her knees and elbows the sword held at head height pointing at her foe. Coming quicker now the Sleg would reach her in just a few minutes. Fifty feet away and he stopped, his reptilian face appearing to grin showing the rows of sharp pointed teeth, he wished to savour this! I am Kagno Captain of the Council Guard. Surrender to me human and tell me the names of those you go to meet, and where you are to meet them, and your death shall be quick and painless.... Refuse, and you shall still reveal all to me, but you shall scream for mercy before I am through. You and your horse are only sustenance for me to return, so why make the journey to my stomach painful?

The woman held the gaze of the yellow eyes. My name is Suran and I am a Chief of the Outriders, I ask no quarter and give no mercy. Come lizard and we shall see if the taste of my blade fits your palette. Suran wondered momentarily if she should say more in the hope of making the Sleg retreat, but decided it was pointless. She would not reveal her true identity for if she did and she failed it would give a great advantage to the Dark.

The Sleg without warning rushed at her, not even bothering to draw his sword, confident that the puny human could not withstand him. Suran moved with incredible speed deftly shifting her feet and spinning in a full circle her sword aiming at the back of the Sleg's knee as he rushed through the spot she had been standing a split second before. The sword caught, but it was not the deep cut to sever the tendon and disable the creature she had hoped for, but still deep enough to bring a scream of pain and rage from Kagno. The horse turned his back end as the Sleg cannoned toward him, and kicked hard catching Kagno square in the chest, the force knocking him over, but with surprising agility he was on his feet again as quickly as he fell. He would need to take more care these two were a little more troublesome than he had expected. It would make feasting on them even more enjoyable. He moved back towards her, but she was more resilient and far quicker than he expected. Suran's sword slashed again this time leaving a deep trail across the chest of Kagno. Green blood ran freely from the wound. For that human, I shall savour you all the more, I shall eat you, bit by bit as you watch me. His long arm shot out with surprising speed for something so big, catching her unawares and striking Suran on the side of her head, to send her spinning to the ground her head reeling from the blow, blood welled from the rake of his claws. Kagno drew back his thin lips to reveal the rows of sharp pointed teeth in what appeared to be a grin, and moved forward. Suran tried to clear her head, but her vision was blurred, and she was still dazed from the blow, he reached down to grab her... the fight was over... but then the front hooves of the stallion crashed into Kagno's back, as Dancer reared and struck out at the Sleg. It gave Suran, just enough time to regain her feet and her composure. Kagno roared turning towards the stallion to vent his rage, it was a bad mistake! Suran's reaction was so quick as her sword bit deep at the back of both his knees, she stepped forward and sideways, drawing the sword with as much force as she could muster, slashing across the back of both knees, the tendons sprang apart, and Kagno fell into a heap groaning. Suran staying clear of his reach, spoke, as he lay in a heap trying to reach for her. "Now Sleg. It would seem that it is not I that is on the menu, and that the choice is now reversed! Time for you to answer my questions and it shall be me that gives you the courtesy of a swift death. The alternative is that I shall, disable your arms to match your legs, and leave you here for the Dargs. They are most unkind, for they enjoy the taste of flowing blood, and will nip and tear small pieces of you, so that your heart still pumps and, you, will feel every mouthful as, they, swallow... I am told they can keep gnawing at you for hours before you die... me I shall be far away, and shall not have to dirty my hands, or listen to your screams... your choice Sleg and make it quick." Kagno groaned, part in pain, and part in the knowledge, that what Suran said was true. He was big and he was brave, but he was not stupid.

Okay human... you agree to make it quick? the Slegs voice held resignation he knew he had lost the battle and soon his life. Suran nodded her agreement. Then I was sent by the Sleg High Council to intercept you at all costs, I was told to find out who you were to meet and where, bring you back alive for further questioning, if possible, but if I couldn't I was to make sure you were dead before I returned. That is all I know.

And this is what I know.... There is more, and you will be given only one more chance to say or leave you to the Dargs I shall. Suran spat, stepping in swiftly and slashing her sword across the joint of Kagno's right arm before he even realised the blow was being struck, he screamed as his arm fell useless to his side.

Human bitch! He screamed.

Suran's face was impassive. Perhaps... but not as much of a bitch as a Darg will be, when they are biting an inch of you away at a time!

Alright, alright, they say that there have been artefacts found, or that they are being searched for, it is written in the Prophecy.... The Sleg council have been looking for them for years. I don't know what they are, only that they are important to the humans and very powerful. There are at least three they are looking for they have the power to wield them, they have no clue what the artefacts are, but they know who two are, they have a power that even they are unaware of, it can be released, but the artefacts are the key... you are one and I was told to stop you at all costs, the orders came from way above my rank... from the Dark Lord himself... That is all I know, please put me out of my misery.

I did say I offered no mercy... but what the hell. Her sword chopped down across the neck of the Sleg, severing his head completely, it rolled to one side. He felt nothing more.

Suran sank to the ground with a sigh of relief, exhaustion grabbing her like a giant hand, five days and nights, with only an hour's rest snatched here and there, had taken its toll. She sat and studied the landscape around her, looking for somewhere they could shelter for a few hours before moving on again, a rest would make the journey swifter, refreshed they could move quicker and save time. She knew that to push on without respite, would lead to disaster, exhaustion would overtake them completely.

A little to the left of where her path should take her, there was what looked like a small stand of trees in the distance, an hour's ride perhaps and she could cut back without losing much time. She worked out that it would only put a few hours on the journey, inconsequential after five days and nights of hard riding, she decided. Wearily getting to her feet she called Dancer, placed her saddle and the packs on his back, mounted and at a trot headed towards the trees.

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The bell attached to the top of the door tinkled, announcing someone entering, and the round form of the baker hurried through from the back of his shop, only to stop short as he saw the three Goblins standing menacingly in front of his display counter. It was a moment before he found his voice... Y...Y...Yes Sirs, w...what can I get you, he began to ramble nervously, don't see many of you in here, I have some very good pies, if you would care to try one. One of the Goblins took a pie from the display, and bit into it, immediately spitting the mouthful onto the floor.

Eat this rubbish! I don't eat this junk... I want real food... a good steak on the bone, rare, and warm. He laughed at his own joke and watched as the baker stood shaking in fear.

Shut up fool... The largest Goblin spat, we have no time to play, even if there is meat before us, keep your place and remember who the Captain is here ... It will you be on the menu if we return empty handed, and this plump little steak cannot tell us anything, if he is resting in your gut... He turned again to the baker. Now my fat little friend, we are looking for a boy of about sixteen years in your time... blue eyes... fair haired, tall for his age, goes by the name of Marvin... if you have seen him you had best tell us, for if you tell us wrong, me and my friends here will come back this way just to visit you... and then we shall sample the choicest of your bakery! The baker was fully aware of Goblin taste and knew there would be no mercy shown, he would bake no more pies once the Goblin had finished with him, in fact he knew it would be hard to find anything of him other than bone. Whilst beneath the surface he despised the Goblin race and was loathe to tell them anything, he certainly had no desire to become lunch, his survival was his priority. If he told them that he had seen such a young man, he had a chance to survive, even though he was reluctant to give even the direction he had seen them go, his instinct to protect himself was stronger. There was a boy of that description not less than half an hour ago, standing outside my shop he was.... an old man bought him some of my pastries and left... I didn't really see which way they went... but I think they went in towards the old park... that way... He held his arm pointing his finger in the direction of the old park.

The big Goblin grabbed his arm and bit a chunk from the bakers forearm. Screaming and holding his bleeding arm the baker fell to the floor. Not bad! The large Goblin laughed through a mouthful of the bakers flesh.... Bit chewy but not bad, not bad at all! Remember this is just a taster... a taster of what will happen if you have lied! He leaned in close to the terrified baker and laughed... "Get it... just a taster! He laughed at his own joke and turned nodding his head to the other two to leave.

What about us? the smaller one exclaimed. We ain't had a bite in days... How come you gets a mouthful?

Because I'm the Captain and you do as you are told... anyway it was only a little nip.... we'll find something afore we leave.... something substantial that can keep us going a while... something young and tender. We're close, so once we have the boy we can take a little time out to look... a nice young un... we'll find a good fat one and then.......... The other two grinned at each other. Come on then Cap, let's get going... like you say no time.... no time. Turning he said. A young un the Cap said... hee hee... better than a suckling pig, I hope tis female for they be more tender than a boy... ooh I can taste it already, warm and tender... can't beat young blood...

Shut up and get moving or you'll be tasting my boot. Growled the Captain.

CHAPTER TWO

T he pie was absolutely delicious there was no doubt of that at all. The pastry light and soft the meat tender and succulent, the rich onion gravy in which the meat had been cooked, was just unbelievably good. It was not until Marvin had devoured half the pie, that he realised he was clutching the bag of food tightly to his chest as though afraid it would be taken away. Guilt assailed him and he held the bag out towards the man, mumbling an offer through a mouth full of food. The man pushed back the cowl from his face and smiled, it was a warm smile that took years from his face. Thank you. He said reaching into the bag and removing a pie. I shall if you do not mind. Watching you eat has suddenly made me rather hungry myself. I do, however, have important business, to discuss with you, though I suppose an extra minute or two will cost neither of us. And with that he bit into the pie and nodded his pleasure.

They were sitting in what, in the Elder Days would have been described as a park. There were still a few places one could sit and even here and there a bush desperately trying to force a flower or two to show. Marvin wondered what it must have looked like when it was cared for all those years ago. It must have been beautiful he mused and for a moment imagined he was seeing it in its former glory. The cowled figure looked up from the pie he was enthusiastically devouring. First things first... I have been most rude for I have not introduced myself but there is a reason for that.... I wanted to ensure there were no ears to hear what I have to say to you, which is why I have brought you to this old park... oh and yes it was beautiful in the Elder Days. He stared off into the distance. I spent many happy hours here when .... He checked himself from saying more, "well another day for that story perhaps.

Marvin looked at him quizzically and stuttered... But you can't remember the Elder days...... That was over five hundred years ago! The cowled man either did not hear him, or chose to ignore him and continued talking as though Marvin had never spoken. "My name... rude of me not to have introduced myself properly, but