The Everwoods ~~ Misfits by Nature: Misfits by Nature

By Lisa Marie Lea

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465335500

Lisa Marie Lea

When not working on the Everwoods books, Lisa is busy with her Bachelors Degree in Psychology, being a girl scout leader, and a Mom. Always on the go, always creating and thinking for the next book. She has been hard at work developing images for the characters and the books. The creation of the Everwood siblings has taken on a life of their own, as the world expands and new friends come into the picture. With more books planned in the series, Lisa is truly enjoying her choice to create the Everwoods. Ever grateful to her fans for joining on the journey.

Book preview

The Everwoods

Misfits By Nature

Lisa Marie Lea

Copyright © 2011 by Lisa Marie Lea.

ISBN:          Softcover                                 978-1-4653-3549-4

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4653-3550-0

All rights reserved. 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 permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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97137

Contents

Charon And Angelus

Complications

The Creation Of Angelus

Strangers In The Valley.

Discoveries

Crooked’s Story

The Encounter

Pain

Lord Kaveras

The Truth Revealed

Secrets Revealed

Revenge

Recovery And Damnation

Danger And Lies

Training

Bane Revealed

Ninja’s Brother . . . Azazel

United

Vengeance And Loss

Crooked’s Fall Into Evil

Redemption And Conflict

Lord Rin Jackson

Rebuilding

The Return

The Resurrection

This book is dedicated in loving memory to my grandfather, Binny. Who taught me to follow my dreams.

Also a huge Thank you to all those who stood by my side and breathed life into the characters.

Chris Vanderhaeghe for bringing Charon/Angelus to life.

Jim Cozbey for bringing Crooked to life.

John Hooker for bringing Calon to life.

Trevor for bringing Damien to life.

Davey Ashforth for bringing Dimitri/Isabel to life.

Thank you to my patient children, Lane and Piper, as I spend hours creating the world of the Everwoods. Thank you to my readers for joining me in this world and sharing on The Everwoods journey.

The stone tower stood alone deep in the forest. It sat on the edge of the mountain side, like a single guard watching over the valley below. The moon was high in the sky casting a faint light on the valley below. The mountain range loomed over and around the valley, keeping the valley hidden and lost within its massive form. Looking down into the valley a small creek ran along the right wall of the valley, three buildings stood scattered around the valley. A small cottage stood to the front left corner, a stable along the back wall and a manor stood to the right of the valley closer to the creek. There was one path that led in or out of the valley, which was well hidden within the mountain wall. A magic barrier also kept the path hidden from the world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thick smoke filled the air, chocking her. Fire consumed everything, her throat burning from the heat in the air. The sound of the fire, snapping and cracking, as it consumed the village was deafening. The fire was everywhere, nothing had been left untouched. Many buildings had been burned down to ash, while others were still engulfed in flames. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of fire destroying a village. Death was heavy in the air as corpses were everywhere. Everything, everyone was gone . . . 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She awoke swallowing a scream, her heart pounding in her chest, the pain raw and cruel. She sat on the edge of the bed, the smell of fire still strong on the air. She ran a shaky hand through her hair and looked over at her wolf, Bane. Without a word Bane rose and went to her side, laying his head in her lap. She patted his head gently fighting back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. Pain tore through her as the memories kept it alive, fresh and raw.

It had been over five years since the destruction of Riverwynne. Only three had survived that night and that haunted them. They had been called out of Riverwynne days before only to return to the village burned and everyone gone. Sazzabi, Rydan, and Piper were forever changed by that single day. That day they had lost everything and everyone. To this day they still sought those responsible for taking everything from them.

Piper knew she would never be able to return to sleep; she rose quietly, dressed and looked at Bane. He yawned and stretched before heading to the bedroom door. She softly patted his head before opening the door and heading downstairs. Bane went to the front door waiting to go out. Piper waved her hand and the door slowly opened allowing Bane outside. She sighed softly and wrapped her clock around her and stepped out onto the porch. She looked up toward Sazzabi’s tower, then over at Rydan’s cottage. All was quiet.

A soft wind blew against her skin, cooling her heated body. Her blood was boiling and revenge was thick in the air around her. She wanted blood; the blood of those who had took everything from her. Revenge was what kept her going; it drove her on day after day numbing the pain and fueling her rage. It would still be hours before the sun rose. She watched as Bane ran across the valley.

He had come to her just about three years ago and he hadn’t left her side since. When they traveled out of the valley she was aware of the uneasiness Bane stirred in people. He was jet black and stood higher than the average wolf. He was more powerful than any animal anyone had ever seen and he was fiercely loyal and protective of Piper. She often heard the whispers and rumors; they called Bane a devil dog. She never needed to speak a word to Bane, he just always seemed to know what she was thinking and feeling.

She turned and went back inside the house. Winter was only a couple of weeks away and she knew this would be a brutal winter. They had begun stocking up on the needed supplies for the winter. Once winter set in, it could be weeks at a time they would be trapped within their valley. She groaned in frustration and aggravation. She paced around the first floor, looking like a caged animal. It had been over five years and she was still no closer to finding those responsible for taking her family from her. She would not rest until she had her revenge. Time was not her friend, as it had been for Rydan and Sazzabi; it did nothing to ease her pain. After vowing over the graves of her friends, family, husband and children, she could not rest until blood was split.

Feeling caged she left the house and headed for the stables, Bane coming to her side and falling into step with her. She stopped to feed Demon, Satan’s son, before walking to the back of the stables to an open stall. There inside was Satan. Without a word he came forward out of his stall and stood still while Piper swung up onto his back. Once free of the barn he broke into a gallop and headed out of the valley, Bane keeping pace with him. She gave Satan his head and let him run, the wind soothing her boiling rage. Satan was heading toward Ole’ Sodroc. Even though the valley sat about a day’s journey out of the town, no one knew they valley was there.

They arrived at dawn as the town gates were opening for the day. She slipped from Satan’s back and let him run. He never entered the town, he disliked the crowded area. Her hood pulled up over her head, hiding her face, the clock hung open. The guards nodded to her as she entered the town, she could feel the weight of their stares as she passed through the gates. Neither of them spoke a word as Bane growled softly at each of them and entered the town by Piper’s side. The town was nearly deserted at this hour, a few shop owners were beginning to get their shops ready for the days shoppers. As she walked slowly through the main road of the town, she was aware of someone in the shadows. She patted Bane’s head as he also sensed the stranger. They continued on their path, she stopped as she heard Bane growl softly. She looked out from under her hood and saw a man approaching. His black armor reflecting the morning light, the emblem on his chest caught her eye. A red dragon was embedded on the black armor. He smiled at her before turning off in another direction. Bane looked up at her and she shook her head no as they continued through the town. She stopped to look at a few shops before turning around and heading back out of town. Satan was waiting for her at the gates as she swung up onto his back and they headed back to the valley. Bane fell behind and lopped back toward town to make sure no one followed them, she knew he would catch up later.

As she arrived back in the valley she sensed Rydan and Sazzabi had awakened. She turned Satan lose and headed into the house. The ride had help calmed the fire inside.

Morning Rydan said as Piper entered the house, and tossed her clock over the chair.

Morning Piper answered as she walked past her brother, not even looking at him.

You were up most of the night again. Rydan stated, knowing his twin had been restless the past few weeks.

What else is new? Piper snapped, she loved her twin dearly but often hated the bond they shared.

I wish you would let me make you a sleeping potion. he said softly knowing where this would go.

Do we really have to go through this again? Piper asked as she gave him a dirty look. She knew Rydan could feel the turmoil inside her. He rolled his eyes and sighed in frustration as he knew this was a useless argument. He looked up as Sazzabi walked into the house.

Don’t you two have your own houses? Piper asked with venom on her voice.

Well hello Miss Sunshine Sazzabi teased.

Bite me Piper snapped at him. Rydan just hid a smile and shook his head. The two of them fought more like brother and sister, than he and Piper did. He decided he was going to talk to Calon about getting a potion made for Piper.

I will be making a trip into town for supplies soon, so get me your lists. Rydan stated. Sazzabi and Piper just nodded to him.

While I am in town I will be bringing back someone to fix the barn. It won’t make it through another winter. Rydan said, waiting for the explosion.

Oh the hell you are. I will n . . . Piper began in a fit before Rydan cut her off.

Oh yes I am. Demon is still too young to be exposed all winter and the barn will never make it. Damien will be here to rebuild it and I know him. He can be trusted. Deal with it sis, he will be coming into the valley. Rydan said as he stood his ground against his twin. He knew Damien well enough to know he would never betray them. He could feel Piper’s anger, and he had already informed Damien of Piper’s hate for people being in their valley. Rydan left the house before an argument broke out, Sazzabi close on his heels. Once outside Rydan stopped and sighed heavily.

You know she isn’t gonna be nice to this guy or go easy on you. Sazzabi said to Rydan.

I know, but we both know how I can sense people’s intentions and I trust Damien. The barn needs to be rebuilt as does the fence and some other repairs are needed. He will be true to his word. Rydan said to Sazzabi.

Alright, I trust you. I will help with her where I can. Sazzabi said as he walked away. He smiled to himself, things were about to get entertaining in the valley. Over the next few days Rydan prepared to leave, he had sent word to Damien to begin gathering the needed supplies for the repairs. Rydan hated leaving Piper alone, especially when she was raging. He knew it was safer for him to make the trip, and less chance of Piper getting into trouble again.

Ole’ Sodroc was ruled by Lord Kaveras Sennald. There were strict orders that no magic was to be used within the town’s walls. Only one priest had the rights to practice within the walls of town, and only because the town needed a healer. Those caught using magic inside the walls were taken captive and placed in the Lord’s dungeon. The rumors ran wild on why the Lord hated magic. Some said he captured the magic users and tortured them endlessly, others said he took their powers as his own. Others said he wasn’t human and feared magic users discovering what he was. Rydan wasn’t sure what the truth was, but he didn’t trust Lord Kaveras. He sensed nothing but evil from him and saw nothing but darkness surrounding him. Since they lived hidden from the world, Rydan watched and waited in silence, but did his best to keep Piper out of town.

The morning came for Rydan to leave. Piper was nowhere to be seen as he left the valley.

‘Behave’ Rydan sent to her through their mental link. He smiled as he heard her growl in response. Usually he would have taken Satan for the trip, but being he would be returning with wagons heavily loaded with supplies, he knew Satan would get annoyed with the slow pace, so he rode his steed Blizzard. The trip was uneventful and Blizzard made good time. He stopped by the town stables and settled Blizzard in before heading to Damien’s house. He knocked softly.

Ah Rydan. Come in. I hope your trip was an easy one. Damien said as Rydan entered. They had met almost two years ago and over that time a strong friendship had grown.

I got your message and have put in the orders for the supplies I will need. It will still be about two days before the full load of lumber and supplies are ready. Damien said.

Thanks D. I have supplies to gather myself so that is fine. Rydan said.

I assume your sister knows I am coming? Damien asked, while he trusted Rydan he had heard the rumors about Rydan’s twin.

Yes and I must remind you, she is not happy, but just be yourself and she will see what I see. Rydan said hoping he was telling the truth. Damien nodded. Together the two headed out to begin gathering the needed supplies Rydan would need for the long winter ahead. With the orders in place, they headed to the local Inn for something to eat. Rydan entered first and headed to a table in the back on the room. He seated himself against the wall so he could see the room. They talked about different things as they ate. Rydan stiffened as Lord Kaveras walked into the inn. He watched as the Lord looked around the room before talking a seat at the table near the fire place. Lord Kaveras long white hair hung loosely around his face, resting on his shoulders. His green eyes scanned the room. Rydan took notice of the black armor he wore with a red dragon embedded on the chest. His sword hung by his side, the sheath was also black with a red dragon wrapped around the sheath. Rydan opened his link and tried to scan the lord, but when Kaveras began looking around the room; Rydan quickly shut the link and masked his powers. Damien and Rydan quickly paid for their meal and left the inn heading back to Damien’s house. Before settling in for the night, Rydan link to Piper to check on her. After being assured she was fine, he headed to the spare room for the night.

The next passed slowly and by nightfall the wagons were loaded and ready for the trip. They had decided to leave at sun up. After making sure the wagons were secure, they headed in for the night. Unknown to them a man lurked in the shadows of the alley. He eyed the heavily loaded wagons and had decided to follow them; an attempt to touch them now while in town was suicide. Besides he thought they could lead to a bigger pay off. Crooked settled down in the alley keeping the wagons in sight. He pulled his shabby clock around him trying to get some warmth against the chilly night air. The night seemed to never end for Crooked as he struggled to remain awake. Finally he heard the door open and the voices of the two men as they prepared to leave. Crooked stretched his weary limbs as he got ready to follow the wagons. The wagons were heavily loaded and he knew he would easily be able to track them. He ate his last piece of dried meat as he waited for the wagons to leave. He waited several minutes before heading out after the wagons. Something kept pushing him to follow this through to the end, so he decided to not attack on the road and see where they would go.

Rydan drove the first wagon with Damien following behind in the second wagon. Blizzard trotted easily beside the wagon. Once clear of the town, Rydan sent a message to Piper to let her know they were in route. He knew Damien would only have to leave the valley once more for supplies, and he would probably make the run himself. He hoped if Damien remained in the valley rather than coming and going, Piper would not be so hard on him. They rode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts and neither of them aware of someone following them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

His boots echoed off the stone floor of the castle. He walked through the long hallway of the dungeon. Prison cells lined the walls of the hallway. The prisoners cowered in the corner of their cells as they heard his footsteps. His distinctive footfall echoing throughout the dungeon. Many were badly beaten; all were starving, and some lay unconscious on their cell floors. All had been taken captive by Lord Kaveras because they had displayed magical abilities. He took great pleasure in torturing them, before draining them. Yet so far no one would speak of who he spoke, or they truly did not know.

My Lord Isabel said proudly as she bowed before her king. Her black armor the same as his. His finger lightly traced the blue dragon on her right shoulder, and he knew the same brand was on her skin, her right shoulder blade. The same brand that was on his.

Isabel. he said and nodded to her. She rose and stood awaiting her orders.

Anything he asked.

No my Lord. He knew not of who I spoke. she said, knowing the man in the cell was about to meet his end.

Very well. I will finish up here. The other night in the Inn I felt someone scanning. Find out who it was and bring them in. he ordered clearly annoyed.

Yes My Lord. Isabel said as she bowed then turned to leave the dungeon. She tried her best to ignore the screams of the man, before that scream was cut short.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Following the wagons had been easier then he thought. The first night they had made camp, he was able to steal some food from the wagons. He debating disappearing with one of the wagons during the night, but once again something told him to see this through to the end. He noticed they seemed to double back a few times and several times had almost been spotted by the first wagon. He watched as they approached the side of the mountain, when suddenly the wagons just vanished from sight. He stood and stared trying to figure out what had happened. He took a deep breath and began to creep closer to the mountain side. Slowly he reached out and felt the cold hard stone of the mountain as he ran his hand over the mountain side. Curious he began walking down the wall, keeping his hand on the mountain side. He jumped back when the cold hard stone under his hand vanished and he felt nothing, yet he could see plain as day the mountain side in front of him. Crooked was overcome by curiosity and took a few steps forward and was thrilled and scared as he walked through what appeared to be a solid mountain wall. He crept along the wall and finally came to the end of the path. He stared in disbelief as he saw the valley hidden inside the mountain. He watched as three people began unloading wagons, he stiffened as he saw a huge black wolf run over to the one who had driven the first wagon. He quickly withdrew from the valley, once on the outside of the mountain wall he made sure to draw a simple map of the location. He planned to return shortly, once he was better equipped to handle such a big pay off.

Damien looked around the valley as they pulled the wagons over near the barn. He noticed a women standing on the porch of the bigger house. Her red hair hung loosely around her and she looked just like Rydan. He could feel her anger across the valley. So that was Piper, he thought to himself. He began pulling the cover off the wagon when he froze. A huge black wolf was running toward the wagons. Rydan came to stand beside Damien as Bane came up to them. Damien could not believe how high the wolf stood; he had never seen such a powerful animal. Trying not to back up away from the animal Damien locked eyes with it.

Bane, this is my friend Damien. He will be staying in the valley for awhile. Rydan said gently as he patted Bane’s head. Bane looked from Damien to Rydan and then back to Damien before snorting at him and heading back to Piper’s side. Damien let out a sigh of relief.

Don’t worry D, Bane will be no threat. Besides my sisters bite is a lot worse. Rydan joked as Damien just laughed. Piper watched as they began unloading the wagons. She looked down at Bane.

‘Traitor’ she sent to him. She swore Bane smiled at her comment as he turned and headed into the house. She stood there watching them work together and joking around. It had been years since she had heard Rydan laugh. She looked over Damien; he stood a few inches over Rydan. His blonde hair, which hung to his shoulders, moved in the slight breeze that was in the valley. She couldn’t help he was well built, strong and tone. Closing her eyes, she opened her link and reached for Damien. Damien cried out and grabbed his head as a stabbing pain suddenly shot through his head.

Piper. Stop it. Rydan yelled at Piper as he went to Damien’s side. He looked at his twin and pushed mentally with his thoughts. Suddenly the pain vanished from Damien’s head and he straightened up.

Are you ok? Rydan asked. Damien could tell her was furious.

Yea. Damien said as stared at Piper. His head was still throbbing.

I am sorry about that. I thought she would behave. Rydan began.

Ry. It’s ok. You warned me about your sister I knew the risks. I just didn’t realize she was so powerful. Damien said as he shook his head to clear it then turned back to the wagon, turning his back to Piper. He heard the front door slam. Rydan shook his head.

Welcome home Rydan. Sazzabi said as he approached the wagon. Rydan took a few minutes to introduce Damien and Sazzabi, and then left the two of them talking and unloading the wagon.

Oh this is gonna be interesting. Sazzabi said.

Huh? Damien asked.

Rydan is going to deal with his twin. It’s always interesting to say the least. Laughed Sazzabi. Damien just looked toward the house; he couldn’t believe how different the two of them were.

That was uncalled for Piper. Rydan snapped at her as he stormed into the house.

Oh bite me Brother, You bring a stranger into my home and expect me to play nice. Piper snapped at him clearly annoyed with her twin.

Damn it Piper, I told you we can trust him. There was no reason for that. You could have killed him and you know it. There was no reason to hurt him. Rydan fired at her. His anger boiling.

He’ll live. Piper snapped back at him. Rydan stood in front of her, his fists clenched.

Leave him alone Piper. Trust me please. If you hurt him again I swear Piper I’ll cast the pain back at you. Leave him alone. Rydan said before he stormed out of the house. Piper’s scream of rage echoed throughout the valley as Rydan slammed the door and stopped on the porch. He swore to himself, what the hell was he gonna do. Since losing Ninja, Piper had become so cruel and cold. It was getting harder and harder to control her. Frustrated he returned to the barn to check on Damien, he knew damn well the pain Damien would be having in his head from Piper’s little stunt. He ran into Sazzabi who was carrying the boxes for Piper’s house.

I gave Damien some powder to help with the head. Sazzabi said. Rydan just nodded and mumbled thank you. Sazzabi dropped the boxes of supplies off on the porch, not wanting to deal with Piper, then gathered up the supplies he would need and headed up to his tower.

This whole side will need to come down and be rebuilt as well as the back wall and roof. Several supports need replacing inside as well. Damien said as Rydan approached. His head was throbbing, but the powder Sazzabi had given him was helping.

Whatever you think is best. That’s why I hired you D. I trust you and your work. We can move the horses to the side pasture while the work is done. Rydan said grateful he didn’t say anything about Piper’s attack. Without a word Rydan and Damien fell into an easy pace and began clearing away the equipment and debry that needed to be moved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Isabel knocked on the door, awaiting his order.

Enter he said. She entered his office and instantly knelt before him, her head bowed.

My Lord. Isabel said, waiting for him to speak, she could sense his hunger.

Rise he ordered her. She stood, her head still bowed. She heard him cross the room to her. He lifted her chin so she was looking at him. His green eyes piercing into her very soul.

Well. He asked.

No one seems to know who they were and they are no longer in town. Isabel said and braced for his anger that would come. He did not like when things did not go his way. He growled deeply at her, his hand grabbing the back of her neck, the look in his eyes telling her what was expected of her. Ever loyal she gave into him. She would do anything for him, her lord and master.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHARON AND ANGELUS

Piper paced the room like a caged animal. Her blood was boiling. The temperature in the room was rising as Piper paced back and forth. The wind began to blow in the room, and then just as suddenly the air was still.

What’s wrong? a deep voice asked on the wind. She growled in response. Seconds later two men appeared in the room and stood in front of Piper. She stopped pacing instantly and looked at them, the pain and anger fresh in her eyes. Her anger and frustration was thick in the air. The two men were identical in looks. Both stood around six foot tall and were well built with perfect features. They both had green eyes; the only difference was their hair. One had shoulder length white hair, the other had shoulder length black