Planet Alt-Sete-Nine: Book Two: Princess Haylee

By BJ Neblett

The Lost Princess has returned! And with the young warrior Cailey as her protector, and the old wizardess Azami as her guide, it is time to accept her birthright. As her first official act she has revived the planet from its long magic induced sleep. But the fateful odyssey of Princess Haylee is just beginning. Now she must find a way to proclaim herself to the people as the ruling queen of Planet Alt-Sete-Nine. But things are not always as they seem in this enigmatic land of magic and mystery. What wonders await the princess in the forgotten city of Galloway and deserted Castle Venatus? For Princess Haylee Aramynta Rhamen the journey to claim her heritage will be one of self-discovery. Along the way she will find new friends and face new dangers, including meeting the Goddess Sete, and encountering the fearful Wendigo Atchen. And Haylee will finally learn the tragic story of her parents and uncover the truth about the Hundred Years War and the deadly Mutant Sand Skunk uprising. But will these discoveries and revelations lead her to her legacy, or set the awakening planet on a course to chaos?

Meanwhile, programming whiz Jake Darrow believes his latest video game creation has somehow stolen away his girlfriend Haylee. Aided by his close friend Barb, and with the entire resources of the giant Technopoly Corporation at his disposal, Jake will search for his missing sweetheart, but find mystery and intrigue of his own.

Has Haylee succumbed to the trappings of Game Transfer Phenomena? Has Jake unwittingly opened a portal into a new dimension? Is the game’s revolutionary Artificial Intelligence at work here? Or is the inscrutable Great Wizard Inhodu to blame?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brighton Publishing LLC
• Release date: Apr 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781621835899

BJ Neblett

BJ Neblett is the author of the highly acclaimed literary fiction romantic adventure Elysian Dreams.His short stories and poetry have been featured in magazines and anthologies.Raised in and around the city of Philadelphia, BJ began writing at an early age. For BJ, writing was a way to order his thoughts and to, “Make some sense of the world.” That world was the 1960’s where BJ discovered more than just childhood pleasures and boyhood adventures. He also discovered irony, an irony that seemed to escape those around him. And so BJ wrote. Starting with simple compositions in grade school, he quickly moved on to short stories. With Ray Bradbury and the Twilight Zone and Saturday afternoon matinees as his mentors, BJ wrote about space and friendly aliens and not so friendly things that go bump in the night. Soon discovering the opposite sex, BJ did what any smitten young man would do, he began to write poetry, his work appearing in a national anthology while he was still in high school. And so it continued: during service in the Army; throughout a thirty year career as a radio DJ and a stint working as a for hire cooperate softball gun; while on an extended cross country odyssey of self-discovery, and culminating as a master audio-video tech. BJ has seen and done it all. Today, recalling his corybantic life, BJ is still writing. With one successful novel under his belt, plus several published stories and poems, BJ is hard at work on a sequel to Elysian Dreams; a collection of Fantastic Literature stories; a follow up to Ice Cream Camelot, his historical memoir; and as always, more short stories. When not writing, BJ can always be found on the soft ball mound; kicking back around town with friends; tinkering with his old cars; listening to his extensive record collection, or just relaxing in his Seattle home with one of his vintage guitars.

Book preview

Book Two

Princess Haylee

B.J. Neblett

Brighton Publishing LLC

435 N. Harris Drive

Mesa, AZ 85203

www.brightonpublishing.com

Copyright © 2021

ISBN: 978-1-62183-589-9

Printed in the United States of America

eBook

Cover Design: Tom Rodriguez

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. The characters in this book are fictitious and the creation of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to other characters or persons living or dead is purely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher or copyright owner.

Reviews

An exciting follow-up that seamlessly intertwines Haylee’s journey of self-discovery and the repercussions for those she left behind.

~ KJ McPike author of the Souls Untethered Saga.

***

A stunningly played out follow up to Planet Alt-Sete-Nine: The Lost Princess.

~ Review, A. Johnson

***

Neblett’s follow up to his seminal Planet Alt-Sete-Nine: The Lost Princess is a must read.

~ Don Livingston, Radio Review

***

What Artificial Intelligence has wrought, let all men beware. B.J. Neblett is back with a powerful sequel to Planet Alt-Sete-Nine: The Lost Princess.

~ M. S. Wilson, Book Club

***

A page turning sequel well worth the read.

~ Review, D. Odom

Other books by B.J. Neblett

Elysian Dreams

Ice Cream Camelot

Planet Alt-Sete-Nine: The Lost Princess

Wouldn’t It Be Funny If …

Acknowledgements

A big thanks to the staff at Brighton Publishing for their support and professionalism.

I owe a debt of gratitude and a truckload of cupcakes to my wonderful and dear friend author KJ McPike for her incredible input and tireless editing of ‘hot mess’ chapters. And for her remaining an understanding friend through endless chapter revisions. A fantastic author in her own right, please check out her terrifically engaging Souls Untethered book series, available everywhere.

To author, teacher, and best friend Alissa Berger for her help, and her inspiration for the character of Haylee, thank you is woefully insufficient. Without you there would be no Planet Alt-Sete-Nine.

To my friend Shae Wilson for her input, endless nagging to sit down and write, and for putting up with all my craziness in getting this book to the readers.

And finally, to my friend Dr. Angelica B Ortiz, the discoverer and leading researcher on Game Transfer Phenomena.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to:

Alissa ‘Veggie’ Berger, my best friend, talented writer,

and inspiration for Haylee.

and

KJ McPike, a gifted author and amazing friend.

Galloway Island

Chapter One

I thought that I might find you out here.

Yes, I needed some fresh air and time to myself. Cailey sat on a fallen log by the concealed entrance to a cave, staring out into the darkened forest. Overhead, three bright suns sent forth their warm tangerine rays. But no light penetrated past the treetops, leaving the woods cast in a hazy darkness.

Oh, I’m sorry my dear. Shall I leave you to your thoughts? Her companion, Azami, pulled a tattered shawl tight about her shoulders, shielding herself against the cool still air.

Cailey looked up. No, of course not. In the brief time since they’d met, she’d come to love the old wizardess. She trusted Azami with her life and would do anything she asked. In fact, I think I could use some company right now. She patted the log, and Azami settled next to her.

They sat in silence for some time, each lost to their own contemplations. Are you sure this is what you want, Cailey? Azami asked at last. You understand that once the spell is broken there is no turning back.

Yes, yes … She paused with a contemplative sigh. It’s just ….

It’s just that there is still so much yet unknown. Azami finished the thought with an exhausted, knowing smile. There is so much change in store; and so much uncertainty.

A single tear slipped down Cailey’s smooth cheek. She brushed it aside. Yes, she said with a nod. But it’s the uncertainty that I fear. My single act might alter the future, maybe change history for all time, and affect the entire planet.

Your act will complete history, returning the planet to the people and bringing our history full circle. The future is already set, my dear. Nothing can alter or prevent it; neither you or I or the single act of any person. What is to be will be; it is the nature of things. She studied Cailey carefully. The only question that remains is how will it affect you?

It doesn’t matter, Cailey answered firmly. It’s my destiny. I’ve come to terms with it. There was no hint of indecision in her eyes, no equivocation in her voice. I’ve made my decision. I’m sure. I just never realized until now the full extent of my actions.

Azami smiled. Her ancient eyes were filled with compassion. She placed a reassuring hand on her friend’s shoulder. You have come a long way, Cailey. You are still young, and you may yet have a lot ahead of you. A large part of being mortal is making decisions. Some may not always turn out to be the right decisions. But being mortal isn’t about always being right. It’s about doing what is right, and then living with the consequences.

Cailey realized her gathering tears were as much out of fear as they were excitement. Since achieving mortality, Cailey had been overwhelmed with emerging emotions. Making her own decisions was one part of her new life she was gradually learning to handle. Accepting and living with the consequences of those decisions was another part she’d yet to master.

I know, Cailey replied. She looked at the medallion in her hands. Two iridescent jade eyes stared silently back. The striking image of a six-legged serpent had been carved from a single rare piece of sardonyx. It was embedded into a large round ruby stone encased in heavy gold. A thin jagged black line was barely perceptible where the pendant’s broken halves had been fused back together. Yet the seemingly innocuous amulet held powers unimagined.

I know, Cailey repeated, her cerise eyes becoming lost in thought. It was the unforeseen and unanticipated changes which would fall upon the unsuspecting people of Alt-Sete-Nine that Cailey had been pondering.

Twelve months ago, the young warrior had set out on an elusive quest with little more than a driven determination to accomplish an unknown goal. Recovering the priceless object she now held, had led her on a journey halfway across the planet. During that time, she’d traveled great distances, endured countless hardships, battled fearsome creatures, and stared into the eyes of her own death. There were times when she’d begun to doubt the sanity of her beguiling quest. But Cailey had remained true to her enigmatic mission, learning, and growing and changing along the way, until her life’s true purpose at last revealed itself.

My decision, she said quietly, and living with the consequences. At that moment, Cailey realized the full extent of the power she possessed. With one simple act, she would change the lives and destinies of the planet’s entire populace. But she also understood that this wasn’t just a single isolated act. Cailey stood at the culmination of decades of planning and purpose; intrigue and insurrection; triumph and tragedy. She’d been merely a pawn, manipulated and moved about by influences seen and unseen, forces known and un-named.

It had never been about her, or her decision; it was her duty, her purpose for being, and her destiny. This wasn’t the end of her journey, but rather a new beginning, the dawn of a new hope for Alt-Sete-Nine.

At that very same moment, Cailey understood she had indeed made the right decision; not just for herself but for her people as well. With careful thought and consideration, free of outside control, she’d made a clear and conscious choice. And by a simple act of her free will, the onetime immortal warrior had shed her protective cocoon and emerged a mortal being. There were consequences to her decision, profound consequences. But that was the cost of being mortal.

The medallion grew warm in her hand and began to vibrate gently, confirming her thoughts. The sensation brought a smile to her lips and more tears to her eyes. Mixed feelings were still new to Cailey, but she found the conflicting emotions of elation and apprehension strangely exhilarating.

Noting Cailey’s expression, Azami nodded her understanding and approval. In creating Cailey, the great wizard Inhodu had worked his magic well. She had proven herself worthy, and up to the formidable tasks he’d set for her. Proudly taking her elbow, Azami led Cailey back into the cave.

***

The Princess’s Chamber was hidden deep inside a long cave, concealed within the shallow foothills of Galloway. Its smooth walls and domed ceiling had been carved out of solid rock and held no openings or torches for light. Yet the chamber was fresh, cool, and adequately lit by a soft gold illumination which emanated from the crystalline walls. At its center there stood a stone bier. It held the waiting body of a beautiful young woman dressed in white.

She has slept for so very long, Azami commented. Grey, straw like hair brushed her thin shoulders as she shook her head. Her moist eyes narrowed in sorrow. So very long to wait.…

It is time, Cailey declared. It’s time for Galloway to live again, and time for the people of Alt-Sete-Nine to know their queen. She could feel the medallion come to life in her hands as she approached the bier. My Lady… she whispered, placing the golden pendant around the sleeping woman’s neck. Resting on her soft pale flesh, the medallion began to glow. …my Princess.

A dazzling orange light filled the cavern, blinding Cailey and Azami. They drew back as it glowed more brilliant than Sol, the largest and brightest of Alt-Sete-Nine’s triple suns. Then, with a deafening hum, the light was gone as quickly as it had appeared. As their sight gradually returned, the two women looked up.

Out of the light, the wizardess recited, making a sign in the air. Out of the light there shall arise a leader who will unite all the peoples of the Six Realms.

The sleeping young woman now stood beside the stone bier.

Her long alabaster gown was made of shimmering silk and trimmed with subtle wisps of gold thread. The deep V-neck of her dress led to a wide golden sash cinching her slim waist. Thick, curled tresses threaded with scarlet ribbons trailed down her delicate body. The raven locks contrasted sharply with full crimson lips and skin the color of a gently blushing snow orchid. Around her slender neck she wore the jeweled medallion on a gold chain.

Princess Haylee Aramynta Rhamen slowly opened her eyes. Two iridescent jade diamonds shone bright and proud in the hazy light of the chamber.

Where …where am I?

***

The newly awakened Princess rested on a curved settee of purple crushed velvet. Across the room, Cailey sat in a cushioned chair of polished Sinca wood. She and Azami had led the Princess to a concealed chamber located at the far end of the cave. Cool and comfortably furnished, the room had remained vacant for over two decades, awaiting the arrival of the princess. To one side a fire burned in a small alcove. It was surrounded by pots and pans, a round dining table and three chairs. Opposite, a low wide shelf contained numerous books, scrolls and charts. Next to it was the princess’s raised bed of plush satin pillows and sheets of fine silk. A dressing table sporting a large round reflecting glass held personal grooming items fashioned from gold and silver, while several outfits of silk and cloth and leather were artfully arranged in a matched set of traveling chests.

Easy, Princess, you are safe and among friends, Cailey said with a reassuring smile, hoping to calm the concerned young woman.

Haylee glanced about, anxiously examining her surroundings. I… I can’t seem to remember anything.

Here, drink this, it will help. Azami sat on a small footstool, offering up a bowl of hot green liquid.

Hesitantly she accepted the steaming bowl, peering quizzically into Azami’s opalescent eyes. But …I know you, don’t I?

The question brought a smile to the old woman’s weathered face. Yes, my Lady, you do. We have quite a history you and me. My name is Azami le Blanc. And the brave young woman over there is called Cailey. She motioned to the steaming broth. But drink first. It will help you to remember. And we must get some food into you. You need to build up your strength. There is plenty of time for talk.

***

An hour later the three women sat around the dining table. A modest feast, including roasted willet meat, grilled Smoke Fish, fresh greens, dried apricots, bread, and Azami’s special green broth covered the tabletop. They sipped goblets of bowdenberry wine and chatted.

I know you must feel a bit lost and confused, Princess, Azami said. Why don’t you tell us what you do remember?

I’m afraid I’m still kind of hazy. Haylee took a long pull of the sweet wine, lost in thought. Setting the cup down, she looked at Azami. I remember you and me talking. It seems you were always there right by me, but in spirit, not really there. Haylee laughed and shook her head. If that makes any sense. You were my… my teacher.

That’s right. You are a princess, descendant from the royal family. It is my duty and my honor to teach you the things you need to know.

A princess, you say?

Yes, my Lady. Princess Haylee Aramynta Rhamen of Galloway, heir to the throne.

She frowned, her eyes narrowing with frustration. Yes, I seem to recall something of what you say, but only as if it was a dream. And yet you tell me it is real.

Don’t let it trouble you, Princess. It will all come back to you in time. You still have much to learn. Is there anything else you remember?

This time Haylee turned to Cailey, considering the warrior carefully. I know you as well, but we have never spoken. And yet you were with me. But not just in spirit. It’s as if we were connected in some way. I could see what you saw. And I experienced the things you were doing.

With that, both women looked to Azami. The wizardess nodded. Yes, that is the way it was decreed by the wizard Inhodu. The three of us have been connected for many years. We were chosen and brought together for a grand purpose. She turned to Cailey. It is a purpose much greater than any of us. Our destinies were set in the heavens long before the suns and stars were born. You must remember that everything has its purpose, and everything happens for a reason. Each occurrence is a link in a chain of events. Sometimes an occurrence causes a break in the chain. With a click of her tongue, she shook her head, pointing a bony finger. You may alter the future. But your destiny is set and cannot be changed. It is the nature of things to right themselves and continue. Destiny will win out. Inhodu understood this when he rescued the princess and when he created Cailey. Rising, the old woman began to clear the table. But it is getting late. We have so much more to discuss and a great deal yet ahead of us. Right now, we should get some sleep.

I feel as if I’ve just woken out of a long restful nap, Haylee commented. I’m not so sure I’ll be able to sleep.

With a wink and a knowing nod, Azami replied. Finish your broth, Princess. You will sleep.

***

In the east, leading sun Sol had already risen, followed closely by little Gamboge and Amber. Overhead, the blue green sky stretched bright and cloudless. But no light warmed the morning; no sound greeted the dayspring. The trees and other vegetation stood brown and lifeless, and a low algid fog hugged the hard, dry ground. All lay quiet, dark, and cold in the Royal Forest, indeed all the isle of Galloway, remained locked in its eerie perpetual gloom.

Cailey and Azami walked out into the grey morning. The wizardess turned and smiled reassuringly. Lingering in the carved opening of the cave, Haylee reached out, taking the old woman’s hand in hers. She took a tentative step forward then paused, glancing about.

It’s ok, Princess, Cailey encouraged. What you see before you and well beyond is all a part of your birthright; and… your destiny.

But… everything is so dark… and so cold… and…

Come; do not be afraid, Azami said softly. You must learn to see past your eyes.

The Princess tilted her head.

Think back and remember.

Yes, I do remember, she replied, turning to Azami. Something you taught me. It was a long time ago. I was just a little girl and I’d had a terrible nightmare.

The Wizardess smiled, nodding with encouragement. Yes….

A horrible creature had me cornered, Haylee continued. His huge pincers were reaching, and he was trying to grab me. And then the creature was gone, and someone was there comforting me. She looked up. Was it you?

The shadow of concern crossed the wizardess’ face. Haylee had come to a crucial moment in her awakening. Soon enough she would start to recall pieces of her past life. But it was vital she first remember and accept all the things Azami had taught her. What do you think, Princess? What do you remember?

I should trust in what I fear and believe in my dreams.

That’s right, my Lady. Go on.

Recalling her teacher’s words, Haylee recited the lesson from her childhood. It’s not what you see, but what you believe. It’s not what you fear, but what you trust. It’s not what you love, but the love that you give.

A proud smile returned to Azami. Yes, my Lady!

Out of the light, the Princess whispered quietly. With growing confidence, Princess Haylee Aramynta Rhamen stepped from the security of the cave. In her hand she carried the medallion, the symbol and seal of the royal family of Galloway, rulers of the Six Realms. She stood atop a low rocky ledge at the edge of the darkened forest. Taking a deep breath, the princess closed her eyes and placed the medallion around her neck. I acknowledge my birthright, she called aloud.

The princess’s declaration stirred familiar feelings deep within Cailey’s heart. She understood the frightening confusion and turmoil Haylee would be going through as she faced her destiny. Silently, Cailey pledged herself to the young princess, softly saying the words along with her. And I accept my destiny.

The serpent’s green eyes began to shine. Haylee could feel a growing warmth against her flesh as the medallion began to vibrate. Suddenly, a narrow ray of sunlight broke through the forest canopy. It touched the medallion. A moment later the beam started to expand, bathing the princess in its bright orange radiance.

Azami and Cailey fell to their knees, bowing their heads in stunned reverence. My Lady, Princess of Galloway; Queen of the Six Realms, the wizardess declared.

Haylee’s arms reached out and her eyes slowly opened. They now glowed with a brilliant jade fire. As she gazed out across the still forest, the beam of sunlight continued to widen. All around, the hard earth softened, turning a dark mocha color. The frozen grey mist that hugged the ground dissipated and tender blades of grass began to work their way through the moist soil. Soon the rocky ledge gave way to a lush lawn.

The celestial ray spread, leaving in its wake a carpet of multicolored flowers and rich blue green grass. As the light touched long dormant branches, the sleeping trees stretched out their arms in an offering of colorful leaves and succulent fruits. Everywhere, bushes and plants leisurely awakened.

The air quickly warmed, tempered by a gentle southerly breeze. It carried with it the tender scent of sweet bowdenberrie and the sharp bite of a distant thunderstorm. Overhead, the mournful cry of a Sappy Bird calling to its mate broke through the ubiquitous silence.

The two women rose and gazed about. By the blessed ghost of old King Rhamen! gasped Azami.

The long latent Royal Forest of Galloway had finally returned to life.

Chapter Two

It had rained overnight, a cool, steady refreshing rain. Ominous clouds of violet and grey had already started to gather, even as Amber followed her twin brothers, slipping silently into the western horizon. Electric fingers of purple and gold tore through the night skies and deafening tolls of thunder forewarned of the impending downpour. Throughout the night, creatures stirred from their lairs to drink, as the thirsty land greedily gathered-in the rare and welcomed offering. Not until leading sun Sol was approaching its zenith did the cloud cover begin to retreat and the nourishing green drops of rain start to abate.

Was there ever a day more beautiful? Cailey stood just outside the entrance to the cave, breathing in the sharp air. The wet forest glistened in the bright orange sunlight.

Not for nearly thirty years, Azami answered, moving beside her friend. It’s hard to believe, Cailey, but the Magical Land of Galloway hasn’t tasted rain for almost three decades.

It’s incredible that anything survived.

Galloway has been resting, not dead; lost in a suspended state. Nothing has grown here, nothing has died, and nothing has moved. Not a plant, tree, creature, or bird. Nothing has changed in all of that time.

Cailey laid a hand to Azami’s shoulder. From what I’ve seen and what I’ve experienced, in a way it’s the same for the rest of the planet. The people of Alt-Sete-Nine have given up. Since the end of the wars, they have reverted to the old ways. Most all live-in simple villages, tending to their own business, never venturing far from the private little worlds they have created for themselves. Even the people of Vista City are contented to remain safely concealed in their secret valley paradise. And nowhere does anyone speak of the princess, or the royal family, or even of Galloway.

You must understand that it is how Inhodu willed it. He knew of the hardships that lay ahead. He did not wish Galloway to suffer anymore. Nor did he want the people’s minds to be burdened with the memories of how it was before the Hundred Years War. Healing takes time, as does rebuilding. Don’t be too quick to judge them. It hasn’t been easy for your people. Their eyes met as Cailey turned to the old woman. Yes, Azami said, your people. Remember, you are mortal now. You are one of us. And this world is your home.

Cailey sighed. Yes. But for how long?

Tomorrow is promised to no one, my dear. She brushed back an errant lock of Cailey’s long golden hair. Azami’s heart ached for Cailey. In many ways, the young woman was little more than a child, newly making her way through life. It was a life with an uncertain future.