Catalyst: The Gateways Series, #1

By Robin A. R. Halsey

The truth was . . . he should have let him die.

The souls trapped within the book have been given a chance at freedom but the cost will be great if they go free.

Kuma knows the legend, or the part of it that he paid attention to. He knows that it's his place to protect the royal who is next to carry the secret of the Book of Ivory. He also knows that his visions of the future differ from those who've come before.

When the Book of Ivory awakens and the souls within are allowed their chance at freedom, Kuma is thrust onto the path that he spent his life dreading. A path that could cost him everything. A path that only has one end. Death.

Family secrets, forbidden magic, and ancient souls collide on the journey to the gateways.


**Start your journey toward the gateways today!**


CATALYST, book one in this grimdark fantasy series, begins with death and sacrifice and continues to shed blood and feathers as the daemons awaken.


The Gateways

In an attempt to end the great war, the fates endeavoured to seal the seven gates, placing six keys amongst the divinely born to appease the demands of the gods. Unbeknownst to the gods, the fates bound their enemy, the daemons, as guardians to the mortals of Graythal.

This knowledge was then buried in legend and mostly forgotten.


Trigger Warnings: This book contains abduction, alcoholism, amputation, blood, cults, death, domestic abuse, drinking, forced captivity, kidnapping, murder, pregnancy, torture, violence, and weapons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond the Moment Designs
• Release date: Apr 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781777230395

Robin A. R. Halsey

Robin A. R. Halsey is the mother of three quirky children and the wife of a supportive and ambitious dreamer. Robin has been writing for over two decades, producing numerous poems, novellas, and novels. She is also a self-taught artist with a focus on mostly acrylic paintings. Keep up to date on Robin’s creative work by joining the Creatorium Collective at www.rrmoq.com

Book preview

A picture containing mammal, black, domestic cat, staring Description automatically generated Chapter 1

W hat was that for? Kuma glanced at the gash across his chest, taking a step back and staring into Arkhaois’s startled eyes. He touched his hand to the shallow wound, shifting his gaze down at it once more before focusing again on the man across from him.

You scared me, he answered, his blue eyes wide. What are you doing down here?

Coming to ask you that very question, he answered. You spend days locked away from everyone, ignoring all those who try to see you, and when you do finally decide to leave your room, you’re off exploring the catacombs. Someone is going to think you’ve lost your mind.

Maybe I have, Arkhaois answered, reflecting on the fact that he was disobeying his grandmother for the first time by being in this place. He stared at the ground before glancing at the slightly glowing mark on his right hand and closed it into a fist to keep Kuma from seeing it. I don’t see why it’s anyone’s business what I do with my time.

Kuma shook his head. What are you doing down here?

It’s personal, he answered.

Personal? He raised an eyebrow while studying the crypt before moving toward the coffins and looked down at the one belonging to Queen Margareet. He took a breath and looked up past the stone boxes and made his way to the statues that were barely lit by Arkhaois’s lantern. So, this is the true form, he muttered, studying the imposing statue, his eyes focused first on the horns atop its head before surveying the carved representation of its large, feathered wings.

What did you say?

Kuma turned quickly and looked at Arkhaois and shook his head. It’s a strange figure, isn’t it? It’s almost frightening. There’s no way this man could walk through the city unnoticed, he said quickly and moved toward the other coffin. Lord Akum, who was he?

I’m not entirely sure. Arkhaois shrugged. Someone close to Queen Margareet.

Kuma smiled his carefree smile. So, what kind of adventure brought you down here?

I told you—it’s personal.

It sure is strange to find such intricately carved pieces this deep in the catacombs, Kuma mused, the smile staying pasted on his lips and his voice light.

How did you find me, Kuma? Arkhaois questioned.

Kuma shrugged. I followed you.

And you didn’t think to say a word to me when I got lost? he questioned suspiciously.

I didn’t want to startle you in the dark. I thought you might attack me if I did that. He looked again at the wound on his chest. I guess it didn’t matter.

I . . . , the prince hesitated, you startled me.

Kuma shrugged. Nothing to worry about. It’s just a flesh wound. He smiled again, taking a step closer to Arkhaois and back into the brighter light of the lantern. You know, Delfina came by to see you earlier. I was surprised to learn that you turned her away without a word. I thought you wanted to talk to her.

Delfina? Arkhaois muttered, his eyes focused on the ground. I don’t need charity from her. He straightened and looked up into Kuma’s eyes, holding his breath nervously as he noticed that they seemed to be glowing golden in the light of the lantern.

Charity?

Tell me, did she come of her own accord or did you send her?

I asked her to talk to you. What’s wrong with that? I’m worried about you, Ark, and so is she.

I don’t need people coming by to pity me just so that they can vanish a few weeks later, he snapped. Delfina doesn’t want anything to do with me or she would have answered my letters.

She would have answered them if she’d ever received them.

What are you talking about?

She never got your letters, Arkhaois, and you never got hers. Someone has kept the two of you from contacting each other since she left the castle.

Arkhaois was silent a moment before he took a sharp breath. I don’t believe you.

It’s the truth, he said smoothly.

She never got my letters? he muttered, looking through the shadows at Kuma. You’re the only one who knew about our relationship. If our letters were being stopped—who’s to say it wasn’t you doing it?

The light-hearted look left Kuma’s eyes and he stared at Arkhaois in disbelief. You can’t be serious.

You’ve always been very close to Delfina. He shrugged. Stopping contact between her and I would have given you a chance to—

To what? he gasped. Arkhaois, listen to yourself. Do you even hear what you’re saying?

You’re not denying it.

Kuma stared at Arkhaois. You have lost your mind if you think there is anything like that between Delfina and I. He turned away from Arkhaois. I’m not going to stand down here in this place of death and argue with you about something so foolish. You know very well that Del is— Kuma gasped as a pain shot through him and he looked at the blade that had pierced through the back of his shoulder and came out the front. Overcome with shock, he turned his head and watched Arkhaois pulling the dagger from his body. Ark? he muttered, taking a few steps forward and staring at the badly bleeding wound.

Arkhaois stared at the blood on Kuma’s shoulder, his mouth open in shock at what he had done. He took a few steps back, hitting the wall, then stared at the bloody dagger in his hand before letting it fall to the ground. Kuma, I . . . , he stuttered and looked up to find that his friend had vanished.

Delfina. Charles waved his hand toward her as she entered the tavern. As Delfina made her way to his table, he found himself fixated on the way her body moved while she dodged a few of the more drunken patrons. He motioned for her to take a seat across from him and managed a smile as he watched her push her short brown hair out of her eyes. I was beginning to think you got a better offer.

Sorry I’m late. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting, she stated and looked up at the barmaid who approached their table. A beer please.

Charles watched Delfina take a mouthful of the drink that had been placed in front of her, doing the same and smiling before he sighed. Did you managed to speak to Prince Arkhaois?

The smile faded from Delfina’s lips and she placed her mug back on the table. No—how did you know that’s where I was?

I overheard you and Lord Kuma talking. He shrugged. You’re quite close to him, aren’t you?

To whom? she questioned and gripped her mug.

Lord Kuma. Charles took a long swallow of his beer and watched Delfina drinking some of hers. I’ve seen you with him before—off in a shadow usually. It does seem that someone like me has no chance with you.

Charles, Delfina looked into his eyes, I—

You’ve never led me on, Del, he interrupted and forced a smile. But between Prince Arkhaois and Lord Kuma, I haven’t a hope. I’m just a lowly commoner and you grew up with much better, didn’t you? I don’t know why I—

How many drinks have you had? she demanded in a hushed voice. I think maybe you should go back to the barracks.

And leave a woman to walk down these dark streets alone? he snapped. I might not be a nobleman but I can still protect you.

Keep your voice down, Delfina scolded and added hotly, and I’m not just some woman.

Charles’s eyes grew wide and he looked down at his drink before pushing it away. I think I’ve had enough, he said slowly. I have duty in the morning. He added as he got to his feet and took a step away from the table. Good night, Delfina.

Delfina watched him make his way across the tavern, swaying slightly as he walked. She quickly finished her drink and followed behind him, hurrying out into the night air and finding him doubled over just outside the door. She sighed and watched him wretch. How about you walk me home? She smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

It can’t have been real. Arkhaois continued to stare at the spot where Kuma had stood, wondering if the event had been a simple figment of his imagination. He couldn’t have followed me down here without me noticing, the catacombs echoed every single sound. Nodding to himself, he reached down and picked up the dagger then stared at the blood dripping off the blade. His hands shook and the weapon fell back to the ground, the sound seeming to echo without end around him. The proof of his actions was there at his feet, he had harmed someone and that person was now gone without a trace. Kuma had vanished in an instant the same way that he had appeared.

After a long while of trying to make sense of his thoughts and actions, Arkhaois turned his attention back to the wall that he had been studying when Kuma had arrived. He gazed again upon the carvings, the paint long gone from what must have once been a magnificent piece of art. His eyes once again caught sight of the symbol that was the mirror image of the one on his hand but this time he took notice of the figure carved above it. Another horned and winged man looked back at him, carved much simpler than the statue but the same figure none the less. What are these? he wondered, looking back at the large statue a moment. Why are you depicted so prominently in this room?

Arkhaois turned back to the symbols on the wall and reached up toward the one he recognized. His hand paused midway as pain shot through his forearm and he quickly pulled it back against his chest. He stared at the deep scar across his forearm in annoyance then lifted his right arm with his left, doing his best to ignore the pain as he placed his hand against the symbol on the wall.

The prince’s right arm throbbed and he clenched his teeth and did his best to hold his hand steady but the pain soon became too much and he pulled away. As he did, he caught sight of a faint green glow covering the mark on his palm and looked up to see that the symbol on the wall had also begun to glow. The pain in his forearm was gradually replaced by that in his hand and he looked at the mark that was now burning his flesh, realizing there was nothing he could do to make it stop.

Arkhaois stared at the wall as the light grew brighter and the pain in his hand became blinding. He took a few steps back but paused when the ground beneath his feet began to tremble and looked up to see that the wall in front of him had started to collapse. Taking a step toward the wall, Arkhaois yelped as someone grabbed him and pulled him between the two marble coffins, pinning him to the ground as a large slab of stone fell from the roof.

As the tremors subsided, Arkhaois found that he could move once again and the pain in his right arm had returned to the old scar on his forearm, something he could ignore. He crawled from beneath the stone slab toward the new opening in the wall, realizing that if he had remained standing where he had been, he would have been killed by the falling rock.

A trap, he muttered, staring at the stone in awe. Well, what is behind the wall that’s so important they’d kill to keep it hidden? Part of the prince knew that it would be best to leave the catacombs and forget the journey he had taken on this night. Whatever was down here—be it the Book of Ivory or some other treasure—someone had gone to great lengths to keep it hidden. Still, the pull of the mystery was too strong. He had come so far already and endured so much to reach this point that he knew he had to continue.

Arkhaois took a deep breath and nodded to himself. Let’s see what you’re all hiding, shall we? He smiled adventurously and moved into the cavern, his lantern following behind him just above his shoulder.

At first, there seemed to be nothing to the room. The walls were incredibly smooth, something in stark contrast to the rest of the catacombs, and the floor shimmered beneath his feet. The light from his lantern glittered gently around him, bouncing off the surfaces but managing to do little to increase the light. Arkhaois continued deeper into the room, reaching a small stone altar with a leather-bound book atop it.

This can’t be it, he muttered. The Book of Ivory, nothing more than a simple leather tome? There must be more to it. Something so powerful can’t possibly appear so normal.

Arkhaois continued to stare at it as he reached his left hand toward the book, pausing as it began to shimmer and a familiar symbol appeared on its cover. He glanced at his right hand in disbelief. Grandmother, did you know that you were giving me a key when you gave me that pendant? Did any of you really know what you held? He smiled and lifted his right arm with his left, again ignoring the pain, and placed the two symbols together before he felt someone pull him back.

Pain quickly began to ripple through his body and Arkhaois cried out in agony, watching through failing sight as the smooth surfaces around him started to glow and quickly illuminated into mirrors. As the pain consumed him, the image in the mirror changed. Before his eyes, the reflection showed him with grey-white skin covered in intricate black markings. His body looked frail but at the same time, his glowing green eyes showed immense power. He continued to tremble, the pain growing and soon blinding his senses.

Arkhaois fought to keep his eyes open and began to struggle to get to his feet but his body would not listen to his commands. As his eyes closed, he heard a familiar voice call his name and saw a huge figure made of shadow approach him and stoop down next to him.

A picture containing mammal, black, domestic cat, staring Description automatically generated Chapter 2

Delfina sat up abruptly , hurriedly glancing around the room from the edge of her bed while trying to comprehend what had woken her. With little but silence surrounding her, she carefully repositioned the knife under her pillow and began to lay her head back down when an impatient knock erupted from her door. Shaking her head, she got to her feet and grabbed her robe, pulling it on and sharply opening the door. What? she snapped before her eyes grew wide at the sight of the man standing there. Kuma, she said gently.

Kuma stared back into her eyes and quickly took advantage of the gap she created when she moved to the side, entering her chamber and making his way quickly across the room without a word.

Delfina closed the door and pulled her robe tighter, turning to see him standing at the window with his gaze focused on the darkness outside. Kuma, what are you doing here?

I . . . , Kuma paused and turned to face her briefly before refocusing his gaze back out the window. Have you ever looked at the night sky, Del? Have you ever really looked at the places between the stars?

Are you drunk? she questioned. You shouldn’t be here.

Don’t make me leave, he said quickly and stared at her pleadingly. Please.

Delfina’s eyes grew wide and she made her way across the room to him, placing her hand gently on his shoulder only to have him pull away. What’s going on? She took a step away, lighting a candle and gasping at the sight of her red-stained palm. Kuma, are you hurt?

Kuma looked up at her, his eyes glistening golden in the candlelight. I needed somewhere safe to be, he said gently. I needed to be near someone I could trust.

Kuma?

You’re all I have, Del. There’s nothing else, he whispered and sunk slowly to his knees. Only shadows.

Kuma! Delfina hurried to the man’s side and quickly shifted the tattered cloth of his shirt to look at the wound on his shoulder, his blood soaking her robe. What happened to you? she whispered, gently laying him back and taking note of the superficial cut across his chest.

After a moment’s thought, Delfina got quickly to her feet and hurried from her room, rushing down the hall and up the stairs to the remainder of the barracks. She knocked firmly on the door and waited for someone to open it. Where’s Charles? she said flatly.

Personal call? The man smirked.

Delfina looked down and realized that she was still in nothing more than a robe over her nightgown and pulled it closed. Just get Charles for me before I knock your teeth out.

The man continued to smirk as he nodded and closed the door.

She listened as he hollered obscenities while attempting to wake Charles who she realized would likely still be drunk.

Del, what are you doing here? Charles asked, closing the door behind him and smiling uncertainly at her. He couldn’t help but let his eyes wander for a moment but the sight of the blood on her robe quickly removed any lustful thoughts. Are you hurt?

No, she said, looking at the blood. I need your help and your discretion.

Charles nodded. I’ll get some bandages from supply. Your room?

Delfina nodded and hurried back down the hall, entering her room to see that Kuma had not moved. She quickly went about lighting a few more candles and carefully began to cut Kuma’s shirt away from his shoulder pausing when she heard a knock on the door. She jumped to her feet and pulled the door open. Thank you. I didn’t know who else to turn to. He’s hurt and it looks bad, she explained while Charles made his way to Kuma’s side.

Charles looked at the body lying on Delfina’s floor then back at her. While I tend to him, maybe you could put some clothes on. He swallowed, forcing himself to look away. You know my feelings, Del.

I didn’t mean to imply anything, she stuttered. It’s just that he showed up here talking nonsense and then he collapsed and—

Del, Charles took Delfina’s trembling hands in his, I’ll take care of him.

Delfina nodded and watched Charles force his attention back to Kuma before disappearing behind a screen in the corner. After quickly pulling on a pair of pants and a simple shirt, she emerged and approached the two men. How is he?

It looks like someone got the better of him, Charles answered and raised Kuma’s hands, but judging from his arms, he didn’t fight whoever it was. I don’t think he expected the attack.

Delfina nodded worriedly. Charles, I . . . , she hesitated, her gaze fixed on Kuma, thank you for helping me.

You care a lot about him, don’t you? he asked as he tightly wrapped Kuma’s shoulder.

I . . . what do you mean?

It’s the rare time when you allow yourself to be more of a woman, he answered. Only when you’re worried about someone you care about, do you let yourself be yourself. You don’t pretend to be the ideal image of a man.

We’re very close, she answered gently, trying to think of some way to get angry at him for his comment.

Look, I’ve told you before, men do show emotions. He smiled and got to his feet, wiping his hands on his pants and looking into her pale brown eyes. You can yell at me tomorrow about my comment. Now, unless you need a guard, I’m going back to bed to try and sleep off the rest of those drinks.

Delfina smiled and watched Charles leave the room then turned a worried eye back to Kuma.

Arkhaois placed his hand against his aching forehead, sitting up slowly and scanning the room. His last memories were of pain rippling through his body and being surrounded by a reflection that he did not understand. How am I here? he muttered, shifting his heavy legs over the edge of his bed and fighting to steady his laboured breath before forcing himself to his feet. After taking a step toward the mirror in the corner of his room he paused and his eyes focused on the dagger that lay on the floor.

I hoped it was a dream but . . . He leaned carefully down and picked up the weapon, his mouth tight as he stared at the soiled blade. How did I get here?

"That’s a good question," a voice replied.

Arkhaois spun and stared across the room but found it empty. Who’s there? he called out, clutching the dagger tightly as he backed into the wall. Is someone there?

"Right here, boy," the voice answered.

Arkhaois’s eyes widened as he watched a sparrow land on the bedpost.

"What are you staring at?"

Are you talking?

"Bright boy, aren’t you? He rolled his eyes. You can call me Jarah. Thanks to your stupidity, we’re going to be spending quite a bit of time together."

Stupidity? Arkhaois questioned. Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?

"I’m talking to the twit who decided it was a good idea to go searching for secrets last night, he snapped. I’m still trying to figure out how you survived. I could have sworn I had enough traps set to keep anyone from getting in there and I was sure I taught him well enough not to interfere. The sparrow shook his head. You really couldn’t handle that secret for more than a week without looking around? I told your grandmother that you were going to be trouble but she would not listen to reason."

If you don’t mind, I’m not feeling too well, Arkhaois said, slowly taking a seat on the floor.

"No doubt, he growled. You should be dead. Weren’t you listening to me? Did someone help you? How did you get back here?"

I don’t know, the prince answered. Look, I’m tired. I’d like to get some rest.

"It’s too late for that, the sparrow answered. I can feel her presence near the city already. You are not making her wait."

Who? he questioned and shook his head. Wait, who are you?

"I have already introduced myself, he grumbled. You don’t listen. Isabella, what were you thinking—leaving this boy as guardian? Not passing on your role would have been a better idea."

Do not speak ill of my grandmother, Arkhaois snapped. Get out of here.

"You don’t even realize the danger that you’re in, do you, lad? Jarah questioned. You don’t feel the power that you’ve woken."

I don’t use magic, he answered nervously. No one in my family does. It’s forbidden.

"But your connection to the book—it should be stronger than this. Do you truly feel nothing? What happened when you opened the book?"

I never opened it. I only touched it, he said, looking down at the mark on his right palm and closing his hand. I guess the book must still be underground.

"You can’t sense it either? he questioned, somewhat exasperated. It’s under the floorboards. I suggest you retrieve it and prepare for your meeting at the Parsomia Tavern. I will direct her there. I doubt you need help finding your way."

Arkhaois watched as the sparrow glared at him a moment then shook its head and flew away. He stared at the spot on his bed where it had been, placing his hand again against his aching head and wondering if he was imagining things. He moved back across the room toward the mirror and looked hesitantly at his reflection, relieved to find nothing out of the ordinary.

"Hurry up," he heard a voice snap but when he turned he found no one there.

If it’s all in my head, he reasoned as he knelt next to his bed and pried up one of the floorboards, then there won’t be a book.

You’re awake. Delfina turned from adjusting her uniform jacket in the mirror and watched Kuma slowly sit up, smiling gently toward him. I was getting worried.

What am I doing here? He looked up toward Delfina through cloudy eyes and attempted to clear the haze from both his mind and the space around him. He blinked a few times then placed his hand on his aching shoulder. I don’t remember coming here.

What do you remember? she asked worriedly, the smile gone from her lips. Kuma?

Kuma closed his eyes but opened them quickly as images of his time in the catacombs quickly came to his mind. I’m not sure what I remember?

You showed up here late last night, she said slowly. You were injured and rambling but you passed out before I could ask much of you.

I’m sorry, Del. I don’t have any answers that I can give you. Kuma struggled to get to his feet, his body aching, then smiled toward her. I must have been drinking.

You certainly don’t look hungover, she answered. Maybe a bit dazed from blood loss but not hungover.

I have a splitting headache if that says anything. Kuma placed his hand against his temple and waited for the room to stop spinning, staring a long moment at the blood-soaked bandages covering his shoulder.

Do you remember who attacked you?

Kuma looked away and shook his head. No.

Delfina stared at the man, cocking her head and raising an eyebrow. Are you sure? Charles suggested that it wasn’t something you expected. He said you didn’t fight back because there are no wounds on your arms or hands.

Charles? Kuma stared wide-eyed at Delfina. He was here? In your room?

He’s a good friend, you know that. I asked him to look at your wounds as my experience tending to such injuries is limited. You’ll have to thank him for binding your shoulder when you see him next.

I can’t believe you allowed him into your room, he muttered. He could have attacked you. He could have raped you. I’ve seen the look in his eyes, Del. That lust that threatens to spill out every time he looks toward you.

He’s not like that, Kuma.

He’s a man, Delfina, and no man can be trusted.

I trust you, she said softly.

That’s different. He shook his head. Just don’t be so foolish next time. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you.

Kuma, I’m a royal guard, now. I’m not just some little girl. I can handle myself.

Kuma shook his head. Just be more careful, he said gently. What time is it?

Mid-afternoon, she answered. I’m on duty shortly. I can help you back to the castle if you like.

I’ll be fine on my own. He smiled. Besides, I don’t intend on going back to the castle just yet.

Kuma, stay away from the tavern tonight, she said quickly. You’ve lost a lot of blood.

Kuma paused in his unsteady stride and smiled back at her. Delfina, I don’t intend on remembering any of what happened last night for some time.

I thought you said you couldn’t remember any of it.

Thanks for letting me stay here, Del. If I show up again, just tell me to get lost. He smiled warmly at her then vanished out the door.

Arkhaois pulled the hood of his cloak tighter around his face as he moved through the city streets aware that it was in his best interest that no one recognized him. The Parsomia Tavern wasn’t completely unknown to him, he had gone there a few