New Beginnings

By Kaeleb LD Appleby

The disappearance of a young woman, who had become obsessed with the occult, takes Detective Kusan out of the city of Me'tra and far to the south. At the Hells Gates are sprawling camps spread through the desert ravines where thousands of refugees live, fleeing from the war in the south. It is in this nest of the desperate and vipers alike that Kusan finds far more than she expected.

When the worlds of occult magic and the technological empire built by the Wynar collide, there can only be one outcome.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kaeleb LD Appleby
• Release date: Aug 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005485610

Kaeleb LD Appleby

May you all enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoyed writing them

Book preview

New Beginnings

A Crime in Me’tra Story

By

Kaeleb LD Appleby

Prologue

"What is life really? What is its point? The only way we define life is through death, but that’s stupid because no one knows what death is either. Each defines the other; we only know we’re alive because we’re not dead. But if life holds no meaning, then neither does death; therefore they’re both the same thing.

They say the difference is that we know we’re alive. But who’s to say we’re oblivious of our death, those who have died might be just as aware of their existence, maybe even more so, then those who are alive. And even if we don’t know if we’re dead, and only know that we’re alive, why does dying matter? Being alive or dead; doesn’t matter which, they’re both meaningless."

Kusan paused and stopped reading the journal, her eyes stared absently towards the far wall as she considered the words.

That’s some messed up stuff, right? the question caught her attention and she turned her head towards Jenth, No wonder this guy went off the deep end and killed a bunch of people.

You’ve read this? Kusan motioned to the diary in her hand.

The murderer’s journal, yeah, Jenth said as if it were obvious.

But it wasn’t your case.

So? the other detective shrugged, Elyrin told me about it, so I checked it out. Cover to cover. Why are you reading it? It wasn’t your case either.

Esdin asked me, Kusan replied simply.

Guess she wants the case to be water tight, Jenth remarked, She doesn’t need to put in so much effort though, this guy is going to get a life sentence. Guess he’ll find out what life really means then, right?

Jenth chuckled at that, causing Kusan to frown slightly.

What’s that look for? Jenth exclaimed, You don’t think the guy was crazy?

She shrugged and looked back to the book, He makes an interesting enough point.

That doesn’t warrant him going around killing people, Jenth balked.

I never said it did, Kusan was quick to say.

Then, what is it? What’s so interesting? Jenth asked with an incredulous expression.

Nothing. Never mind, Kusan dismissed the question and went back to reading.

No, come on, the detective persisted, What do you find so interesting about a lunatics writings?

Forget it, Kusan sighed and stood up, Its late I’m heading off.

She slipped the journal back into the evidence back and placed it on her desk before walking for the exit. But she did not get far as Jenth caught her by the arm.

Come on Kusan, what do you find so interesting about it? the man persisted and Kusan pulled her arm away.

What do you really know about death? Kusan asked back irritably. When a police someone gets murdered in the street did that death hold any meaning? Did their life truly have any point to it? Was it justified that they were the one to die and not another?

Jenth looked back at her in surprise, unable to utter a reply.

Sure, it’s a common belief that Death is an omniscient being that will great an afterlife of splendour if you live a meaningful existence, Kusan continued, But what’s meaningful? Is there any proof that Death exists and those who lived a worthy life are given eternity in some other realm?

Again Jenth could not find a response.

Of course there isn’t, that’s why it’s called faith, Kusan said, So, if there is no point, or reason, in death, is there really any point to life?

Yes there is, Jenth finally found something to say, It’s the people around you that give your life meaning, and that which makes your death meaningful.

A look of shock came to Kusan’s face.

Don’t look so surprised detective, Jenth laughed slightly, I’m not just good looking. But either way you look at it, whatever your views on life and death, it is never justified to kill another person. That guy, Jenth pointed to the diary on her desk, Is going to prison for a long time despite his philosophical ramblings. And, he deserves to go to prison for the crimes he’s committed.

Kusan gave Jenth a curious look before she turned and headed for the elevator, Well, like you said, the case Esdin has complied against him is water tight, so he will have plenty of time to write more philosophical ramblings.

Jenth did not reply, but she could feel him watch her as she moved through the desks and out the door to the elevators. The hour was indeed late, or early depending on which way you looked at it, and she yawned wide as she waited for the lift.

Is there really a point though? Kusan mumbled before the elevator doors chimed open and she headed down to the car park.

Chapter One

It was silent around her. And yet it was not; a distant hum of traffic could be faintly heard, there was also a slight whistle of the wind through the elevator shafts of the building. With a thought her enhanced hearing switched on and the traffic became louder. Did she really know what silence sounded like?

On top of the city sounds she could also make out the muffled voices of other residents in her building, talking between each other or making noise as they got readied themselves before rushing out the door to work.

Taking a deep breath Kusan opened her heavy eyelids and blinked as her eyes focused on the clock on the desk by her bed. The digital numbers reading the time and flicking over even as she watched it, immediately the alarm started to sound. Its harsh tones hurting her ears as she quickly slapped the button to silence its tones.

With a sigh Kusan rolled onto her back and stared at the white ceiling as she cleared her clouded mind. The cat sleeping beside her woke up with a long stretch and wide yawn before rolling over to face her, its green eyes looking at her curiously.

Another Monday, Kusan mumbled as she gave the cat a pat, Not that you know any difference, right Magi?

The cat began to purr with her touch and closed its eyes as it turned its chin to encourage Kusan to scratch a certain spot. A slight smile came to Kusan’s face and with a deep breath she forced herself out of her bed and went to get herself ready for the day. After a quick cold shower she slipped on her clothes before grabbing a quick breakfast and heading for the door. Walking into the corridor Kusan pulled on her favourite long jacket and made a quick path for the elevator that would take her to the building garage.

Familiar faces joined her but no words of greeting were spoken and the trip to the parking lot was made in uneasy silence. But that quietude was broken the minute Kusan climbed into her car where Tarna greeted her.

Detective. The car’s computer greeted exuberantly, You look well this morning. Did you sleep well?

Well enough, Tarna, Kusan replied as the car drove itself out of the garage. You?

Of course I don’t sleep, Tarna replied in surprise, Wait, were you joking? You know I can’t discern jokes very well.

Kusan hid back her slight smile and turned her attention out the window to the waking day.

It was supposed to be sunny today, Tarna remarked, But now it looks like it’ll for the whole week, according to the latest news.

You listen to the news now? Kusan asked with some surprise.

Yeah, it’s actually really interesting, Tarna replied seriously, Did you know that the Wynar have brought back all their forces from the southern front? Only a few divisions remain on the gates of Hell Fire Pass, all the rest have been tasked with security of all the northern cities, including Me’tra.

Kusan did not reply as she continued to stare out the window at the hazy morning.

The sudden military presence has forced the rebels to slink back into the shadows, Tarna continued, But just this morning a Wynar cargo train was attacked between Bel’tar’en and Mol’tev. Some reports suggest it was monsters that attacked the train, but I’m sure it was the rebels.

Monsters? Kusan scoffed quietly.

It happened during a toxic storm on the barren plains, Tarna remarked, That’s why it is thought to be monsters. And you know how dangerous the Fog winds out in the wastelands are, so it was pretty daring if it was the rebels who attacked.

Basic hazard suits will protect you from the Fog, Kusan remarked dismissively, Odds are that is was the rebels. A stupid move if you ask me.

Yeah, they’re just asking for the Wynar to attack them with full force, Tarna agreed, And with the military prowess and individual fighting skill of the Wynar the rebels will have no chance.

Regardless, it doesn’t concern me, Kusan muttered, her eyes continuing to trace the jagged skyline of grey buildings that seemed to dissolve into the clouds.

I suppose not, Tarna replied, Hey, isn’t it good that Vhindr Varrintine is working as a private consultant with the Central Precinct now? I bet he’s happy about that. It’s so good that I get to see him more frequently.

Speaking of Vhindr, Kusan remarked, Did you finish compiling and analysing all the footage of him yet?

Not yet, Tarna replied hesitantly, There’s a lot of data to go through. It doesn’t feel right doing it either.

That caught Kusan’s attention and she turned a perplexed eye towards the screen in the centre console.

Feel? Kusan asked in reply.

You know what I mean, Tarna replied abruptly, I don’t like doing it, it’s like I’m stalking him. Do I have to do it?

Yes, Kusan replied sternly, Vhindr Varrintine is an anomaly. He doesn’t fit in this city and yet he is here, even though it seems he doesn’t want to be, he remains. And you remember that footage we saw during the Halo murders? I want to know how he disappeared from the footage. Don’t you?

I suppose I do, Tarna admitted, But couldn’t we just ask him?

I will, Kusan replied honestly, After I already know the answer.

Okay, Tarna