The Book of Orea

By Kayla Thibodeau

Quinn is a nymph with a special job. As the only living Seriphian, once a year she is tasked with going into the human world to find a female to bring back. Only then, could one of her own crossover into the next world. Sure it was tedious, but she was born to do it. However, this time it has changed. The King of the Ash has found the book of Orea. Its ancient text provides him with a way to beat Quinn at her job and give him the chance to cross over into the kingdom of the Goddess. If he succeeds, Quinn could face torture and imprisonment.
Adianna, known mostly as Addie, is a typical teenager. When the new girl Quinn and her two siblings start school, she heads into a tailspin. Everything she had felt before is questioned as she gets closer to this beautiful stranger.
Suddenly Quinn and Addie see they have more in common than they thought. Putting their heads together, they realize they are the answer to each other’s prayers. Addie will sacrifice everything to save Quinn’s world and ultimately her life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312428942

Book preview

The Book of Orea

The Book Of Orea

Chapter One

Quinn stretched her arms above her head. She let out a loud yawn, disturbing a few squirrels in the branches above. She sat at the base of a large oak tree, her back curling against its sturdy trunk. The grass beneath her was wet with dew and she ran her thin fingers through it. The sun peaked through the holes in the leaves above, warming her gold skin. She looked up into the light for as long as she could, relishing the heat on her face.

The tree sat at the edge of a field that led down to the vast ocean. She watched the waves rush up to crash against its lover, the sand. Light danced across the peaks of the water, bright like crystals. She loved the ocean. There was a sort of peace that came from sitting near the water. It was as if the rest of the world no longer existed. She could forget what she was about to do, what was ahead of her.

She looked up into the trees. Her luminescent blue eyes shown bright against the shadows of the branches above. The squirrels’ scurried about, collecting acorns. Nearby a doe nursed her new fawn. It was spring at its finest. Flowers had sprouted, filling the air with their many fragrances. New life had been born amongst the animals. The time for rest had come to an end, and it was time for her to begin her search. She ran her hand down her leather vest and pants, wiping them free of sweat. Her feet, snug in boots, lay flat against the Earth.

Every year, towards the end of spring, Quinn set out into the human world in search for a female that could cross over and become one of her kind. It wasn’t as easy as it sounds. Not any human can become a nymph. When she returned, a nymph or satyr would be chosen to cross over into the next world. Spring meant so much more to Quinn. Though she took pride in her quest, it was stressful. She had been doing it for a very long time and it never got easier.

She pushed a piece of her long, jet black hair out of her face. She looked back at the ocean. A group of nymphs splashed around the water. Their brilliant tails slapped its surface with a loud thud. A sea turtle sat in the middle, enjoying a nice rub down. His eyes closed with pleasure at their loving touch. In the center was Arula, the princess of the water nymphs, or hydriads as her people called them. Her skin had a murky grey tone to it, much different from her light skinned companions. It hadn’t been that long ago that man’s greed had plagued the sea with oil. Arula, trying to keep her kingdom safe, ordered the others to return home. She was out in the sea for days, cleaning the animals and guiding the ships. She did not survive unscathed. The oil had soaked into her, changing her. She was almost unrecognizable now. It hurt Quinn to look at her, to see someone so beautiful reduced to grey skin and mercury tinted eyes.

A twig snapped behind her and she jumped to her feet. Automatically she grabbed the switchblade from her boot and pined it against the intruders’ neck. She held a tall, strong forest nymph against her chest. She wore tight leather pants and a loose linen shirt. Draped from her shoulders was a deep red robe. Her skin was the color of moss and her hair was bright orange. Quinn knew she was a member of the guard. Guard members protected her kind and the royals. They were trained from birth and by the look of the nymph’s solid muscles, she took training seriously.

Whoa, the nymph croaked, I am here from the King and Queen.

Quinn withdrew her blade and took a step back, she couldn’t be too careful, Who are you to the King and Queen?

I am a member of the guard, the female replied, extending a moss colored hand towards Quinn, My name is Sarina.

Do you have your markings, Quinn asked, still skeptical. She ignored the nymphs’ hand. Being who she was, she knew there were other’s out there that may want to get close to her. She wished she could say it was the first time some nymph or satyr tried on a guard uniform to impress her.

The nymph lifted the cuff of her leather jacket. On her wrist, inked in black, was a set of intricate knotting. It was the same marking any guard member would have.

Satisfied, Sarina asked, putting her arm back down at her side.

Quinn nodded, What do the King and Queen want?

I’m not privy to such information. I was given orders to come and collect you and return you to the castle. That’s all I know.

Quinn rolled her eyes, Of course not. You are a puppet. That’s all.

Sarina was on Quinn before she could register what had happened. Quinn was pushed up against the tree with a large sword between Sarina and herself.

You can come willingly or I can use force. I was hoping to be civilized about it, Sarina said, holding the blade steady with a tight grip at the hilt.

Well it would be hard to walk with a sword in my back, Quinn chuckled as she slapped the sword away. In one graceful movement Quinn had Sarina’s arm pined behind her and held her own sword at her neck, I will warn you though, next time you pull your weapon on me will be your last. I may not be a guard member but I will take you down just as effortlessly.

Quinn released the aggravated nymph. Sarina returned her sword to the sheath attached to her back, Let’s get going. I promised you back in half an hour. You have wasted five of those minutes.

Quinn followed Sarina into the woods, taking one last glance back at the ocean. It would be awhile before she would lay her eyes on its beauty again.

She tried to consider the reasons she might be called in. She had been to the castle many times before, but always after she found her human. She had a sinking feeling in her gut. Whatever the reason it could not be good.

You have a busy season ahead of you I guess, Sarina stated, trying to have polite conversation. She looked over at Quinn. She was beautiful, like no other nymph she’d ever seen. She seemed to be made straight from the sun. Her skin was like gold, illuminated by her yellow, orange light. She was shorter than herself, but built strong. Her long hair was held up in hair sticks. Sarina wondered, if she let her hair down, how long it would be. If she had to guess it would fall to at least her mid back. She pushed the thought away. She didn’t want to think she was beautiful. Especially not after their introductions. She still couldn’t believe Quinn got the upper hand on her. However it was the first time she’d ever seen the Seriphian. Growing up her parents had told her wonderful stories of how Quinn, and the other’s before her, had embarked on daring quests to find a human. She was the reason one of her own got to meet the Goddess. One day Quinn would do the same for her, when her time came. She couldn’t help but be in awe.

Is there a question in there, asked Quinn, with a smirk. Anytime she met a new nymph or satyr they treated her as if she was a god. She would never get use to the notoriety that came with being the only Seriphian. When she was younger it was flattering, but now it was obnoxious. She was no different from anyone else, yet a title defined her.

I suppose there is, Sarina replied, her round face neutral, I guess I don’t really know how it works. How do you pick a human?

Quinn thought for a moment before replying, I look for certain traits that make them stand out and that mean they would transition well into our world. For instance, maybe they are better at harvesting crops than other humans or perhaps they have a strong bond with animals. Sometimes it is easy, while other times I have to move from town to town.

It must be dreadful to have to leave your home and live amongst them for so long, Sarina mused, pushing a piece of her peach hair off of her forehead.

Quinn chuckled, amused by the disgusted look on her companions face, Sometimes it is. But not in the way you may think. I am closed off from them for nine months out of the year. In our world that amount of time seems so small. In their world a lot changes in that span of time.

I see, Sarina lied, Is their world much different from our own?

Yes it is. In so many ways. They say they are free but they are very small minded. They have rules for everything. Then they have rules for those rules.

They both got quiet. Quinn could see the outline of the village ahead. A tall wooden tower stood in the center of a long stone wall that kept outsiders out. It was also guarded by a powerful ward. Any human that stumbled upon it would be repelled away, only seeing a cliff that led to a terrible fall into the rocky beach below.

There was once a time that such methods were not needed. Humans had overpopulated the Earth, forcing them to go into hiding for safety. Quinn missed the old times, when her people were the majority. Then the land was rich and healthy. She hated the humans’ selfish nature. They had ravaged the land, building tall buildings and cutting down all the trees. They tore away the beauty and yet she was forced to recruit one every year. They didn’t deserve the privilege. However she could not refuse the Goddess. She was their mother, and she had chosen Quinn’s family for this job. It had been passed down generation to generation. When Quinn was born, her future had already been decided. Sometimes it was hard to remind herself to be grateful for such a gift. 

She shook off her thoughts as they approached the tower. On either side stood two guard satyrs. They dipped their heads in recognition as Sarina and Quinn passed. Quinn looked at their large builds, and stone colored skin. They were both mountain satyrs. They’re dark eyes took her in.

I’m to take you to the entrance to the castle, Sarina said as they came out the other side, From there, Commander Casio will escort you inside. You will have to give up all your weapons.

You have got to be joking, Quinn scoffed, You act like I am a common thief. I come to the castle every year and never have to give up my weapons.

I am doing as I have been told. If you have a problem, we can take it up after you return from seeing the King and Queen.

Quinn scowled but didn’t argue. There was no point. Instead she looked around at the village. Nymphs and satyrs moved about carrying baskets of breads or jugs of wine. Nurslings ran after one another, laughing in high pitch octaves. Two satyrs sat around a fire, playing flutes, while nymphs danced around them. There was so many different types of nymph and satyrs, so many colors and frames. She would miss the beauty of her own kind. There were small shops, mostly for food or drink. A black smith hammer chimed from the distance. Up above them were wooden homes built into the trees. Swinging bridges connected from tree to tree. They passed a peddler from the mountain region, trying to sell thick hides from deer and bear.

They came to a stop. Stretched in front of her was the large stone castle. She looked up, trying to focus on the tallest tower. It caused her to become dizzy so she looked back down.

Please turn and place your hands against the wall, Sarina said, her arms crossed. She looked at Quinn with her dark green eyes, like she meant business.

Quinn wanted to argue, but she would never win. Sarina was determined to do her job thoroughly. So she turned and placed her hands out in front of her. She looked at the light that illuminated her skin. It was bright and the color of the sun. It wrapped around her like an aura but came from beneath the skin. The rough edge of the castle dug into her palms.

Sarina ran her hands down Quinn’s sides, pinching the fabric of her shirt. She continued down the length of her legs. She came back up with Quinn’s switchblade between her fingers.

Let down your hair, Sarina ordered, holding her hand out for Quinn’s hair sticks.

Quinn raised an eyebrow You want me to give you my hair sticks?

Yes, they are sharp enough to be used as a weapon.

Absolutely not, Quinn refused, taking a step away from Sarina. She clutched the sticks in her hand, her thick ebony hair dancing around her shoulders.

She had watched her father carve the sticks as a gift for her mother. He had taken the time to etch flowers into the stem, his hands shaking and his brow furrowed. It was the last thing she had from her mother. It was the only thing she truly cherished.

It’s not a choice, Sarina replied, annoyed with Quinn’s disobedience, You will get them back when you return.

Quinn reluctantly handed them over, I’m holding you personally responsible for those.

Sarina smirked, I’m shaking like a leaf.

Sarina turned before Quinn could reply and knocked three times on the heavy, wooden castle door. Quinn watched the nymph admiring her light around her. It was different from Quinn’s. All those who became guard, started out with a light that was distinctive to their kind. Then when they ended their training, their light became red. It was as if fire danced beneath Sarina’s skin. It was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives, or so Quinn had heard. She turned her attention to the door. Engraved into its face was a detailed scene with a large tree. Its braches intertwined forming knotting along the top that resembled the guard marks. At the base of the tree were three nymphs, hand in hand, swaying to some unheard music. Quinn had never given the door much thought, but it was truly beautiful.

The door opened, splitting the tree in half. A satyr stepped out from the shadows wearing a long black cloak. He had dark eyes that resembled the ocean at night. His hair was cut short and a sandy color. His face was thin with a strong jaw. His skin was the color of tree bark. He was obviously a forest satyr. His nymph counter parts would be green, as Sarina was. The males of the forest were meant to blend in with the trunk, as the females were meant to blend in to the leaves. Each becoming a part of one tree.

Commander, Sarina spoke up, saluting with her hand held palm towards him, fingers straight and touching the edge of her mouth, and markings visible.

Thank you Sarina, you may rest, he replied, gesturing for her to put her arm down, You may wait here. Quinn follow me.

Once inside she saw the familiar circular foyer. A grand staircase rose before her, its steps made of thick marble with golden banisters. To the left of the stairs was a narrow hallway, lit by torches. She followed him down the hallway. They passed several closed doors. She could hear different sounds coming from behind them; music, the clang of pans, and dancing.

They finally stopped outside a large double door. Quinn knew, from all the other times she’d been here, that this was the throne room. She watched as Casio knocked three times on the heavy wood door before opening it and gesturing for Quinn to enter.

Quinn did, her feet tapping against the shiny marble floor beneath her. The room was gigantic. The ceiling held a large portrait of the Goddess. Her golden hair showered around her as she held a sword and shield. She wore a gold helmet and a long white toga. Quinn admired the painting, wondering if it really did her any justice.

At the far end of the room the wall was made of panes of glass, with a door in the center that led out onto a long patio. The patio over looked the castle gardens. Quinn could see several nymphs busy at work there green skin blending in with the plants around them. Their emerald hair glowed from the rays of sun that fell on them.

She focused back on the room. In front of the glass wall were four throne chairs. The two in the center sat higher. Each was occupied. Quinn knew the two in the center were the High King and Queen. The High King, Cerius, had long red hair and bright yellow eyes. He wasn’t tall, but he was muscular with skin that resembled an orange. The High Queen was the color of an egg shell, with small features. Her long thick hair was white and was braided down her back. Her eyes, the most shocking feature, were red. To the Kings left was the Prince of the Hills, Xander. Xander was a mountain satyr. His skin was the color of ashes and his long thick hair was several shades of blue. His eyes were dark, almost black. His body was stocky and strong. He wore a beard that reached to his chest. To the Queens right was Arula, the water princess. Quinn noticed that she had used magic to give herself legs for this meeting. Each wore long emerald robes with golden knotting stitched into the edges. Each wore a crown, made of thick gold. Each crown differed slightly. The two Queens crowns had a single pearl that hung down on their forehead.

In Quinn’s world there was a hierarchy. The High King and Queen sat at the top. The King was an Aura satyr and the Queen was an Ash. Aura nymphs and satyrs were the only able to give life, while their opposites, the Ash, took it away. At one point it had been fine that different types of nymphs and satyrs intermingled. There had never been an Ash and Aura married. When the High King and Queen were married, they gained each other’s power. Both became able to give and take life. The power was immense. Not wanting their supremacy threatened, they made a doctrine that forbid nymphs and satyr to wed outside of their own kind. Beneath them were the King of the Ash, Deo and the Queen of the Aura, Vitalia. They were like yin and yang. Deo had locked himself away from the world a long time ago, so in his place was the Prince Xavier. Being a mountain satyr, he fell under the Ash. The Queen of the Aura, lived far away. In times of desperate need, she elected Arula to speak on her behalf. Arula fell under the Aura category. Each nymph or satyr was placed either on the side of the Ash, taking life, or the Aura, giving life. Having the four of them before her made her realize, something was wrong. They only gathered in one place at times of trouble.

She closed the distance between her and the group. She came to stand a couple feet away from the base of the platform that the thrones sat on. She counted three steps from the floor to the base of their seats. She bent at the waste, bowing low before standing back up.

She looked at them wondering, as she always did, how old they must be. Royal nymphs and satyrs stopped aging at thirty. Those that were not royal stopped aging at eighteen. No one knew why, but Quinn had a guess. Royals needed to look older to demand the attention they needed to stay in power. Were you really going to listen to someone that looked the same age as yourself?

The High King spoke first, his voice deep and bouncing off the walls around her, I suspect your eight months of rest went well?

Yes your majesty, Quinn replied, forcing herself to stand straight, I pray you all have been well.

I am afraid I have bad news, he replied, a worried expression plaguing his handsome face. He had a strong jaw that made his face seem like it had been chiseled from stone.

What might that be, my king, asked Quinn, remaining neutral. After all she had already suspected as much.

The High Queen spoke next, her voice trembling, The book of Orea has gone missing. Deo has the book.

Chapter Two

Adianna rolled over in bed and slammed one hand down on her alarm clock. She grumbled, sat up and rubbed her eyes. A thin line of light crept in from a gap in her blinds. The beam of sunshine traveled across her plush comforter, a reminder that the night was over. She stood to her feet, the soft carpet rubbing against her soles. She fumbled, searching for the light switch. As she flipped it on, she shielded her sore eyes. She blinked, willing them to adjust. Sighing, she decided that she hating being up so early on a Sunday. The clock face taunted her, reading seven a.m. in bold red lines. She wanted to kick it off of the night stand. She really wasn’t a morning person.

She wandered down the hallway and into the bathroom. As she brushed her teeth, she tried to come up with a plausible lie that her friend might believe. How could she get out of meeting Autumn for their weekly run? Who was she kidding? She wasn’t getting out of it. Ever since Autumn gained five pounds after the usual holiday binge, she’d been on a health kick. Unfortunately, that meant that Adianna was also subject to the torture Autumn planned for them to lose weight. She longed for the winter months when it was okay to sit and eat half of a pumpkin pie. Who wanted to wear a bikini anyways?

Adianna knew that she was lucky. She had been the same size since ninth grade. She wasn’t stick thin, so gross, but she wasn’t fat by any means. She considered herself just right, her build being categorized as athletic. She didn’t see the problem in having curves. It’s not like she wanted to be a model. She couldn’t understand Autumn’s obsession with fitting some mold society created. No one really looks like a movie star. A normal person can’t afford a personal trainer or a live in chef. Normal people ate pizza and stopped at McDonalds on the way home. It’s not that she condones obesity, she just doesn’t condone anorexia either. Everyone should be who they are and stop trying to fit into some image society deems perfect.

She wandered back to her bedroom and searched her closet for her favorite yoga pants and thin tee. Once dressed she struggled to get her shoes on, being too asleep to loosen the laces. She brushed her wavy hair up into a pony tail. Her fingers fumbled with the brush and it collided with the glass vanity top. She cursed as she bent down to retrieve it.

Her phone began to ring and she whirled around to collect it from its spot on her nightstand. Putting it to her ear she said, Hello.

Where are you, the familiar voice of her friend Autumn said through the receiver.

I’m getting ready to leave. You said meet you at eight, she replied, feeling aggravated.

I’m pretty sure I said seven-thirty, Autumn’s voice came back at her with equal irritation.

You definitely said eight, but whatever. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’m leaving now, Adianna stated, Of course you could have picked me up on the way. That would have been nice. Then I would already be there.

Stop being lazy, Autumn laughed, Just hurry up, okay?

Adianna hung up the phone without replying. She wanted to leave Autumn out there in the cold and crawl back in her bed. That would show her. But she wasn’t that type of person. As annoying as Autumn could be, she was her best friend. It was just who she was. She had a certain air about her that screamed entitled. That was how she had always been and that was how she would always be. Adianna didn’t have the heart to scold her for it. Autumn had been through a lot growing up. Both her parents were alcoholics and drug addicts. They were constantly in and out of rehab. Autumn spent most of her childhood at Adianna’s house. Her parents never came looking for her. When she turned seventeen she was finally able to emancipate herself from them. It was the happiest she had ever seen her friend. She understood why her friend acted the way she did, deep down she was guarding herself. If she was mean, then no one could be mean first.

Adianna headed down the stairs, taking a detour into the kitchen. Her mother sat at the table, one hand around a ceramic mug and the other holding up a thick stack of papers.

Good morning, Adianna said, walking past her and opening the fridge. She pulled out a water bottle.

Her mother looked up from what she was reading, Morning Addie. You going to meet Autumn?

Yea, Addie nodded wondering at what point everyone decided to call her Addie. Not that she minded. Adianna was a mouthful and everyone had nicknames, right? If she really thought about it, she couldn’t remember a time that anyone called her Adianna, except her Grammy. She shrugged the thought off.

Her mother smiled, Well don’t forget you are on babysitting duty tonight.

I thought you didn’t work weekends.

I don’t, usually, her mother replied with a yawn, But I have this dinner party tonight to honor a new writer that we just signed. She’s very good. I think you would like her. She has this gothic feel to her. Kind of like Anne Rice.

That still sounds like work to me, Addie pointed out, But let me know when I can read it.

Are you complaining because you don’t want to babysit, her mother asked with a sly smile, Because I’m sure I can find someone else to pay?

And let some stranger into our home with Auggy? What are you crazy? What if they lock him in the basement or cut him up into little pieces, Addie said, enthusiastically, I will do it.

Her mother laughed, You are so dramatic.

Addie gave her a stern look, That stuff happens, mom. I just saw a story about a mother who forced her two year old son to get a tattoo. There are crazy people out there.

Her mother gave her a look of horror, I really wish you stop watching such morbid TV.

It was the news, Addie chuckled. She kissed her mother on the forehead, Alright, I’ve got to go. Autumn is probably cussing me as we speak. She’s sleeping over tonight, remember? We have to work on our English project.

Alright honey, I’ll see you later, her mother replied, picking up the stack of papers and turning her attention back to her reading.

Addie went out the front door, the cool spring air nipping at her bare arms. The sun was shining brightly and the dew was almost completely gone from the grass. She headed down the side walk, passing her neighbor as he walked his large German Shepard. She gave him a weak smile and continued.

She lived in a small neighborhood, with rows of houses next to each other. Most of the houses were occupied by older couples, but there were a few with children. Her neighborhood ran along the outskirts of a large park. During the summer, she’d sit on her front porch listening to music from the various festivals and car shows. Walking through the park she could see the baseball fields, a few teams were warming up.

She followed the narrow roadway that ran through the park, passing a small petting zoo, an animal shelter, and a large pond. Fountains shot water towards the sky from the pond. Ducks and geese swam around, a few sunbathing on the small island in the center. At one end was a large stone gazebo. Newly married couples could be seen taking photos there on several occasions. She imagined the pictures must look lovely, with the beautiful water stretching behind them.

She often took her younger brother Auggy there in the summer to feed the birds. She would break off pieces of bread and hand it to him. She’d watch as he stood on his tippy toes to throw a piece over the tall rod iron banister. His cheeks would turn red from laughter as he watched the geese chase each other for a piece of the treat.

One day as they sat at a nearby bench, he leaned into her. She wrapped her arm around his small frame, hugging him close.

Hey Addie, he said, looking up at her with his big blue eyes, Can I ask you a question?

Sure thing kiddo, she replied, trying to smooth down his unruly, blond curls.

Do you remember my dad, he asked.

She took a deep breath, not prepared for such a serious topic, Yes, why?

Well, I was just wondering why he left, he said, with a serious expression.

She forced a smile, ignoring the lump in her throat, I’m not really sure.

Did I do something wrong?

Of course not, she said through gritted teeth, Sometimes grown-ups just leave. I wish I knew why exactly. I do know that it wasn’t anything you did. It wasn’t your fault. Don’t ever think that.

If he loved me, he wouldn’t have left, he stated, matter-of-factly.

He loved you. You don’t remember this, but he used to take you everywhere with him. He called you his wing man. He loved you very much.

You love me, right, he asked, looking out at the water.

Of course I do. More than all the skittles in the whole world, she said, poking his side.

Then will you leave, he asked, returning his sad eyes to her.

Never, she hugged him tight, You can’t get rid of me if you try.

Promise, he asked, with a wide smile on his freckled face.

Promise.

She shook of the memory as she rounded the corner. They had never talked about his father again. He had been six then, and three years had passed. She wished she could find his father and beat him to a pulp. He deserved some kind of justice for what he’d done to Auggy. She wondered if he remembered that day the way she did. Soon, she would be going to college. She’d specifically chose schools in her state, so she wouldn’t have to leave him. Like Auggy, she knew what it was like to not have a father. Unlike her brother, she didn’t have anyone to reassure her that he had loved her.

She could feel the gravel crunching underneath her feet. Up ahead she could see Autumn leaning against a wooden railing that ran along the length of the bike path. On the other side of the railing was a small drop off into a narrow creek.

Autumn caught sight of Addie and pushed off the railing. She waved enthusiastically as she called out, It’s about time you showed up.

Addie shrugged, My mom stopped me on the way out. She wanted to remind me I’m babysitting tonight.

Well you ready, Autumn asked, pulling her auburn hair up into a high pony.

Addie looked at her best friend. She remembered when Autumn was a scrawny eight year old kid. Back then she was stick thin, with boney knees and big green eyes. A lot had changed in ten years. Her hair, then the color of a carrot, was now the color of the leaves in fall. Her emerald eyes were lined with