Longevity, Book 2: Independence

By John Irvin

          Her name is Zandra, she is an Immortal. Ihon Iraes finds himself falling—or at least, intrigued. But while in this magical place called the Haven, Ihon discovers time passes differently. While only a day has passed within the Realm, a century blinked by out in the world.

 &n

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Irvin
• Release date: Feb 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9780578627892

Book preview

INDEPENDENCE

INDEPENDENCE

LONGEVITY, BOOK 2

If you purchased this book without a cover, you should be

aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as

unsold and destroyed to the publisher, and neither the

author nore the publisher has received any payment for this

stripped book.

Copyright © 2020 by

All rights reserved. Published by , imprint of

Ingram Spark. 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 written

permission from the publisher.

First Hardcover Edition, January 2020

ISBN: 978-0-578-62788-5

First Paperback Edition, January 2020

ISBN: 978-0-578-61570-7

First E-Book Edition, January 2020

ISBN: 978-0-578-62789-2

Printed in these United States of America

Visit johnirvinauthor.com

Cover Art: www.cheriefox.com

Ingramspark.com

Those uncomprimising heroes, the William

Wallaces of every age, rare gems throughout

mankind’s history,

show us how life is to be lived.

To Dad, you are the William Wallace in my life.

Other works by :

Longevity Series*

Revelation

Independence

Wandering (Coming May 2020)

Magic’s Time Split

Hidden Lake’s Light

When Kingdoms Arise

As Flesh Rots

When Nights Bleed (Coming soon)

StarQuest Anthology:

Forgetfulness

Epix

StarQuest (A Novel)*

Mermaid Seas (A Novelette Anthology):

Discovery

Forecast

Salvation

Shattered (A Short Story Serial):

Collapse

Revolt

Anarchy

Spark

Conspiracy

Shattered: The Complete Collection*

Kindle Romance Novellas

Even When We’re Ghosts

All The Reasons Why

As the Sun Will Rise

Can’t Help Falling

Children of Alia series

The King

The Medallion (Coming Soon)

Other Stories

Doom Through The Rabbit Hole

Pochatok

Wolf’s Rising

Blood of the Father *Means in Print also!

This is a work of fiction, Names, characters,

businesses, places, events, locales, illustrations, and

incidents are either the products of the author’s

imagination or used in a fictional manner. Any

resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or

actual events is purely coincidental.

C O N T E N T S

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 1

How long had he stared like a fool at her? It felt like six months passed since she gave her name, though it was probably more like six seconds.

What’s your name? Zandra wore a smirk on her face—

she probably thought his blank face quite comical.

Ihon, he cleared his throat. "Ihon Iraes, your Majesty.

Spelled with an ‘h o’ and not an ‘a’ like Ian."

Your Majesty? Eyes blinking, the redhead tilted her head

to the right. The smirk on her face widened. I’m no Queen.

A goddess perhaps? Ihon blurted. He came from a Romano-Celtic background but he couldn’t believe he’d made

such a query. He didn’t believe in goddesses—although, there was a time he didn’t believe in Wolf-Born.

No, Zandra shook her head, brushing a strand of wet

red hair out of her face. She started to giggle but caught herself,

maintaining her dignity. I’m an Immortal.

I’ve only heard the title shortly before entering this place. Ihon’s cheeks were raging with heat; he was certain they matched her hair colour.

In the wet parts, it appeared dark auburn. Where the

locks had dried, there were sprinklings of ginger.

You must be a young one then. Zandra gave him a look

of endearment, making him feel like he was ten years old again.

He didn’t like that. In appearance and physical prowess, he

was in his prime but he was already nearing his mid-eighties.

The average human lived a much shorter life.

You really surprised me, Ihon spelled with ‘h o’ and not an ‘a’, Zandra remarked, pivoting on her right heel—she was losing interest in this near-one-sided conversation.

Most visitors never see me—I’m usually good at keeping them unawares.

Forgive me if I’ve bothered you my lady. Ihon lowered

his chin in a slight bow. This is my first visit and I’ve ne’er seen such a wondrous place nor a beautiful creature such as you. Are there others of your kind? Immortals?

Something dark fell over Zandra’s face then. She shook her head, her lips tight.

No.

Ihon wasn’t sure what to say. He could tell something was wrong but there was no way to tell what he’d said to shift the dynamic.

Zandra started walking away, almost gliding across the lake’s shore.

Please, Ihon called out—he winced at the high pitch in his own voice. May I see you again? I beg your forgiveness Madam, if I’ve offended you. But if I am to be here in this Haven, it would be a great reward to spend my time with the…ruler of the Haven.

Zandra paused, peering at him over her cream-coloured left shoulder. A grin softened her tight lips.

Ruler? I am not the ruler, young Wolf-Born, she corrected. Merely its creator and caregiver.

Ihon shrugged, finding himself smiling back.

As to your question, her voice halted for a moment. I will see you at dusk. With that, she slipped into a grove of

apple trees, vanishing from his sight.

At dusk? Ihon raised his left eyebrow. We’re inside a mountain.

The back of his neck tingled.

Lifting his eyes upward, he caught his breath. Why hadn’t it dawned on him?

In the place where there should have been a mountain ceiling—maybe complete with stalactites or some sort of rock formation—there was an azure blue sky. No clouds, just blue.

Was that really sky? Was there a hole in the top of the mountain? Or was the Haven not even inside the mountain he’d entered? Perhaps they were in another realm?

Ihon dropped his gaze back to the grove where the Immortal

beauty had disappeared. He shook his head, chuckling.

There were too many questions already—he’d only been

inside this strange paradise for…was it thirty minutes? Thirty

hours? Time seemed to run differently here.

Reaching up and scratching his beard, Ihon ran his eyes over the lake and up the hill he’d come from before meeting Zandra. Maybe it was time for some exploring? There wasn’t much else to do until their next meeting and he wondered how long she’d make him wait.

The waves on the lake lapped against the shore, reminding Ihon of a lazy dog drinking water.

Hiking up the trail, he meandered through the grove of blossoming trees. About halfway back to the cave’s entrance—

or portal, whatever it was—he paused.

Something flashed off to his right in the bushes.

Ihon sniffed the air. He grinned.

A deer.

Was it taboo to hunt in the Haven? Most likely. The Immortal beauty didn’t seem like one who would tolerate killing wild animals. She’d probably usher down some sort of curse on him.

Maybe an eternity of fleas or a rash over his entire body?

Who knew?

The flicker of a white tail grabbed Ihon’s attention. Only ten yards away, the temptation was too great.

Just a chase, Ihon promised and chuckled. He wouldn’t kill the thing. Besides, maybe a game of cat and mouse would do the lazy doe some good.

He stripped down and stashed his clothes beneath a shrub.

Skin rippling across his bones, his body shifted and distorted itself. Waves of electric sensations tingled up his arms and legs, sweeping over his torso.

It felt so good to change.

Ihon watched his hands and feet enlarge until they were massive razor-sharp claws. He grunted at the feelings shooting off fireworks in his brain.

The ground seemed to lower itself.

In the rush brought on by the change, Ihon knew he was growing to three times his size.

A guttural growl erupted in the back of his throat, letting him know he was finished.

Everything was enhanced by his Wolf-Born form; all senses tuned higher.

The scent of the doe filled his large muzzle with an ache and his stomach growled.

No, Ihon shook his furry head, feeling the massive ears twitching back and forth on top of his head. No killing, no eating.

Supper would have to wait. Right now it was time for games.

And some exercise for that slightly-overweight doe.

The white tail jerked upwards.

Ihon froze, his fangs etching his snout into an almost-maniacal grin.

The doe yanked its head around with large almond eyes staring right at him. She did not seem to know what to expect. Her gaze was studying him as if the gears were spinning

inside her brain.

Taking one step forward, Ihon let a growl rumble in his fur-covered chest.

Like a flash of brown-and-white-streaked lightning, the doe was gone.

But the predator wasn’t in a hurry. This was a game, not a real hunt.

Ihon could not resist with the hunt’s thrill racing through his veins. He lifted his muzzle skyward and let loose.

A howl escaped from his throat, rising and ringing out through the trees. A sound both beautiful and haunting—for any prey, it was enough to freeze the blood in the veins.

Then the Wolf-Born was off. The rush of his sprint bent several branches backwards, snapping off a few twigs and leaves. The dark hulk charged through the underbrush, not caring how much sound he made. He knew it only made the chase better. The sound of heavy padded footsteps racing up from behind would send the doe into a panic. He could smell her while he twisted around the thick trunk of an oak and leaping over a fallen tree, he surveyed the wooded area.

Something flickered straight ahead maybe twenty paces; It was the doe’s rump again.

Laughter rumbled deep in his chest, sounding guttural and menacing.

There was a clearing just ahead of the fleeing doe—perhaps

a meadow? Nonetheless, once there, it would be much easier to catch the creature.

He wouldn’t harm it, Ihon promised himself. Just catch then let loose—he only wished to enjoy a small victory.

The rush of the wind ruffled his fur as he took a giant leap.

The doe must have sensed his pounce because she froze in mid-step a second before breaking through the thicket into the meadow. With a bleat, she stared in longing at the open grassy hill.

Ihon latched onto her hind legs with one hand. Growling, he studied the creature in all her grace then he let her go.

Bounding away, the doe soon vanished over the crest of a hill at the northern edge of the meadow.

The Wolf-Born leaned against a thick aspen tree, his fangs flashing. But inside he felt no joy. Turning away surprised, he trudged back through the forest to where he left his clothes lying in a heap, waiting for him beneath the same shrub.

Shifting back into human form, Ihon plucked up his breeches and saffron shirt. Latching the belt around his waist, he huffed and wondered what time it was while looking around.

A white mist had sneaked into the woods, hovering a few inches off the ground but standing no higher than the visitor’s knees. It meandered about, raising soft dew on the underbrush.

Perhaps it is nigh supper time, he thought out loud. He wondered if it was considered insanity to converse with oneself. Making his way back to the meadow, he wondered if it was the only one in the Haven.

How large is this place? He marveled.

When he stepped into the clearing, he noticed everything was in a light red hue. Peering up at the sky, he realised it was no longer the azure blue but now changed to several shades of red and purple.

What a strange place this is, he muttered.

Strange? A familiar voice broke into his thoughts. I would think beautiful, not strange—strange to someone like you—but to those of us who live here, it is paradise.

Ihon surveyed the area.

No one was around.

But someone had obviously been there, he surmised.

Set on a flattened patch of green, a large wicker basket waited, filled to the brim with fruits, baked breads, and jars of milk.

My lady, he approached the picnic. I meant no offense.

Are you certain? Her voice came from just a couple feet to his right.

Spinning on his toes, he turned towards it.

It was then that the mist billowed up into a pillar, shifting into the feminine figure he talked to earlier this day—if it had been a day.

She was dressed in a robe made from red silk, attached with a gold brooch over her left shoulder.

Did you not? she questioned, her honey brown eyes staring him down.

He was certain she was studying his very soul, seeking out his every secret.

That’s not what the doe told me, she narrowed her eyes.

If it had not been for the slight twitch at the corner of her full scarlet lips, Ihon would have thought her quite perturbed at him.

He grinned, going for the charm.

Forgive me, he started. A wolf must hunt—I did her no harm. It was a mere exercise. She seemed to be in need of some. Zandra’s mouth dropped just an inch.

Sir, she retorted. A lady would take offense at being called fat.

I ne’er called her fat, he winked. Simply lazy.

Lazy? She repeated. Should a knight be making such observations?

A knight should always make observations, Ihon shrugged. He realised at that moment he’d taken a tentative step towards her. What was drawing him to her? He’d seen his share of fair maidens. Yes, she was exceptional, but still, physical beauty couldn’t be the only reason for the allure.

She smirked, meeting his stare. Something in those honey brown eyes. Something buried deep, hidden away from any prying eyes and never revealed to anyone.

Ihon clenched his teeth then. He knew what it was. He’d tasted of it before.

Sit, Zandra ducked her chin, waving her hand at the spread meal. A red hue darkened her cheeks for the briefest of moments. Eat.

Shrugging his shoulders, Ihon turned and plopped onto the flattened patch of grass. He reached for a pear, consuming it in two bites.

An apple was next, followed by a cluster of purple grapes.

Hungry? Zandra smiled, seating herself on a tree trunk lying on the opposite side of the spot, five or six feet away.

Famished, he took a swig from one of the jars of milk—it was fresh and good. I feel as if I haven’t eaten in years.

You are not altogether wrong with that assumption.

Silence suddenly dropped onto the couple.

Ihon felt as if there were sparks going off in his brain but he could not grasp at anything to say to her or even to ask. Too many questions in his brain, too much allure from the goddess—er, Immortal—and it was too much for his mind.

Tell me, young Wolf-Born knight, she spoke up, breaking the awkward evening quiet. Where do you come from? Young? That’s the third time today you’ve called me young. You don’t seem much older than me, my lady, if I may be so blunt.

Zandra laughed—a musical sound. The kind making you gape and wish it were the only sound you had to hear the rest of your life.

You are what? she questioned. Maybe thirty-five? Forty years?

It was Ihon’s turn to laugh, though he hated the chuckle coming from his throat. I am nigh eighty-four years of age.

See, Zandra didn’t blink an eye. Quite young—even for a Wolf-Born.

Well, Ihon dropped his gaze to the half-eaten loaf of warm bread in his hands. I am Scots-born, the son of Justin Iraes, a Roman. He was a leader in the last Great War with the Spawn, I’m told.

Yes, I know of Justin, Zandra nodded, her eyes roving to the horizon in nostalgia. He was a good man, excellent warrior, well loved and respected by his peers.

So I’ve heard, Ihon nodded, staring at the distant lake he could make out through the tree line at the south end of the meadow. I never knew him. For reasons I still do not know but my mother kept the truth of our Race hidden from me. It was not until I returned from the Second Crusade, the night my wife was murdered—

Zandra gasped, covering her mouth with her left hand. Her long, slender fingers stretched across her lips, reaching over her cheek.

Ihon studied her. Something was gnawing in his gut—a sense of guilt, maybe? Perhaps he felt his heart unfaithful to his departed wife by talking to this Immortal beauty?

Forgive me, Zandra dropped her hand. I’m so sorry. The shadows falling down over her face told Ihon she knew

of heartache.

Turning his gaze away, Ihon continued. He wasn’t sure what to do about the situation so he continued with his story.

It was on that night that I learned of my true identity. I had no idea what I was, but my priority at the time was to hunt down the murderer and satisfy vengeance. I did, I found him and he breathes no more.

Zandra nodded, barely making a sound. It was obvious she refused to choose between approval and disapproval.

I was found by a Lesser Officer of the Creed, Ranvir Caiton.

I know of the man, the Immortal confirmed.

"He brought me to Sanguiatro and there I learned of our race and its histories. I lived in the city for years before they sent