Garnet’S Passage: Quest for the Siren

By Matthew Shaver

Novrha an elven with exceptional sight and profound archery realizes that he is different for the others, he decides to leave the hidden island in search of knowledage.
Nosee a well educated human mage finds herself where her mother can no longer teach her.Jantise gives Nosee a necklace to protect her and tells her to find her predicessor.
The adventure begins when Jantise is abducted, Nosee's dreaming sitting on a rock become reality

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499038583

Matthew Shaver

Matthew Shaver was born and raised in Buffalo N.Y. now resides in beautiful Colorado. A retired 16 year auto mechanic and garage owner changed paths to work as a front desk supervisor for years. Struggled to find his niche in life stumbled upon the wonderful world of writing. Raising 5 children he hopes to pursue the new found path for many years to come.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The beginning

As our story unfolds we are brought to a very large but surreal island called Wagnalis, you slowly envision 1000 meter cliffs surrounding the island with only one small entrance that gives way to the hidden island inside. Curving inwards it opens to a bay with a beach that breaks way to a pier with a small village and oddly shaped buildings. The local fishing boats are pulled up on one side near the dock. To the left is a beautiful fall colored forest with a few very large trees that have supported generations of its inhabitants. A closer look we see a family that has just been blessed with yet another bundle of joy.

A voice is heard Martos what name shall we give him? Martos replies My dear Keemera, I have given it much thought and the name Malicye sounds like a good strong elvin name my love! Keemera agrees and calls for their other children, Leemarix, Brook, Hunter, Lance, Novhra, and Rebecca to come and view their new brother. Running in Oh how cute mother and father! Brook replies.

Brook asks if they have named the newborn, then says oh wait, is it a boy or girl? His name is Malicye father says softly with a smile. Rebecca asks if she can hold him, mother adds Only for a moment for there is much to be done. Your father and brothers are hunting for dinner, and one of you girl’s needs to straighten up around here and ready for dinner. I’d like flowers set on the table says mother. You other girls need to gather vegetables for dinner, while I get some rest please. Brook hands the new born to mother and says Okay and if it’s alright, I’ll ready things around here Rebecca. Rebecca agrees turns and searches for a basket and a sling bag (a sling bag is a bag that is carried on your shoulder and is open in the middle much like a purse but hangs lower to carry larger items in it,ideal for vegetable gathering).

Martos asks Novhra if he has finished the bow that he has shown him how to make. Yes father I have finished. Martos exclaims Good Novhra, I need you to go get some arrows at the shop and meet the rest of us at the gathering area. Novhra nods in agreement then turns and dashes off, as he runs down the stairs to the old dirt road Lance catches up to him and says you’re not that fast Novhra. Being a few years older then Lance, Novhra runs that much faster. Passing the large garden to the left and waving at the women harvesting for there dinner. The right side has open fields just above the bay with a beautiful view. Surprised by Lance’s strides to keep up has left Novhra thinking that maybe now would be a good time to slow down and stop to let Lance catch his breath. Lance turns around and says brother you’re getting old, huffing a little both look at each other with smiles.

Lance asks Novhra if he knows what Mr. Jamison and father have been working on at the shop. I don’t know but it must have something to do with metal since Mr. Jamison works in the blacksmith shop next door. Well what I know is that mom, Hunter, and Brook have been collecting rocks by the old cave and been giving them to father, other then that I don’t know what there doing? Lance I hear the old cave has huge spiders I just hope they are being very careful.

Lance says Novhra, you’re an old mother’s hen and that’s another sign of you getting old brother. The brothers make it to town, the town only consists of an inn, blacksmith, adjoined to father’s weapons shop, and a general trade shop. The town isn’t big but it doesn’t need to be everyone knows everyone, plus there is word that a counsel building will soon be added. There is always something to do here like hunting, skinning, fishing, harvesting, and planting, (depending on what season it is). When the fishing boats come in or possibly the trade ships, sometimes it gets a little noisy but only for a little while, maybe a day or two, then it’s back to normal.

Lance produces the key and unlocks the front door, Novhra, you also forgot the key. Lance says. Novhra turns and timidly smiles as he walks behind the counter, searches and finds the key to unlock the cabinet where father has weapons and arrows stored. Here’s a quiver of arrows and I guess father forgot his bow looking in between the cabinets where he always places his bow, I guess with the baby and all. Here Lance catch fathers bow I’ll carry the quiver. Look here, Novhra, here are some of the stones in a basket that someone must have brought! Novhra stares at the blue glow and says Wow, how they glow. What glow, Novhra, you heckler is your eyes catching a glare of day light or something? No really look! Look at what? They are just rocks with a little glitter Novhra!"

Novhra glanced up at Lance then studies the glowing rocks then back to Lance again and says I was just kidding you lizard’s tail with a smile. Lance stares back and grabs Novhra by the mid section as they wrestles to the ground I have you now, haa! Novhra tries breaking free when they hear What goes on in here? The air becomes silent, the brothers looking at each other startled. I have a sword and a friend going around back, show yourself burglars before I gut you like a fish. Astounded that there is someone at the front door, Lance puts his hands up while Novhra stumbles to stand and says our father owns this store! With the sun at the back of the figure at the door only the voice sounds familiar. Mr. Jamison is that you? Mr. Jamison says, boys what are you doing here? Isn’t your mother having a child? Yes, or no, well she has already had him, his name is. Novhra shouted Malicye! Both boys looking at each other Yes, yes, that’s right Malicye.

A big smile shows up on Mr. Jamison’s face very good very good! Aha, old Martos I suspect another tracker scratching his beard or maybe another hunter if I know him. Looking off then back to the boys, what are you two doing on the floor?

Well sir we were wrestling sir! Haaa, shaking his head, boys will be boys I must say! I just happen to be going home when I noticed the door open and noises coming from inside. You know my wife will worry if I’m not home soon, so good day boys. Good day sir! And say congratulations to your parents for us! We will sir.

The two gather the things they were sent for and locked up. As they neared the gathering area, Novhra says lets not mention the wrestling to father ok? Lance agrees and shouts to father we have your bow raising the bow along with the arrows!

The gathering area is a large paved area with a 3 meter high wall surrounding a large circle with an open fire pit in the middle for bon fires. Well carved elven chairs placed every 3 meters apart around the large pit instead of the cut log ends they use to sit on look more formal.

Leemarix says it took you two long enough. Father tells Leemarix that’s enough they are here now and that’s what counts. Everyone grab some arrows and I want Hunter in front to track, the rest of us now will hold back a little, 15 meters is good. Remember Hunter use hand signals and step lightly. Hunter nods his head and says I’ll do my best. Hunter moves ahead and starts tracking while the rest of them stay about 15 meters behind with bows at the ready.

Hunter has just given the hand signal for us to stop every one crouches down so as not to be seen by whatever is out there. Martos slowly walks up crouched down quietly and whispers to Hunter what is it Hunter? Well father, here is tracks of a narabit as he points to the left of them about 50 meters off pass the bushes is a tree and a narabit. (A narabit is a rabbit of sorts, he can run and dodge like a rabbit but is much larger and has very powerful rear legs. But the trick is he can turn invisible for a few seconds to get away or to attack). Martos says yes I see him and signals for the rest of us to come over to them. Father explains where the narabit is and tells Lance and Leemarix to go to each side of father about 10 meters from him and ready there knives. Novhra is to stay next to father and fire on the narabit. Martos wants to see how well Novhra has learned to fire his new bow. Everyone ready father whispers and uses hand signals, down goes his arm but just then as Novhra is just about to let the arrow everyone is stunned at what has just happened. No one says a word and everyone crouches down with eyes about to pop out of amazement.

The narabit had moved to a clearer spot perfect for Novhra to hit his target when out of no where’s flies a mountain cat and pounces down on the narabit to makes an appetizer out of him. As we all watch no one wants to be the main course so everyone stayed quite, all crouched down behind a broken tree and bush frozen there till the big cat dined and left.

Well boys you did good not attacking, because we weren’t ready for anything that big, you all stayed silent, and the cat never picked up on are sent. The matter is we still need dinner so hunter get back to tracking again and let’s keep are eyes sharp for the cat that’s still out there.

Hours have gone since the hunters left, upon their return father says we have returned young ladies and here is dinner compliments of are new marksman Novhra! The girls and mother clapped, mother says well done all of you. Leemarix says we came across a big cat and his meal, Lance adds by saying he was quit but I think father will agree we all did well! They did well my love, I’m very proud of them father proclaims they are all going to become excellent hunters my dear.

Well Marto I am proud of our hunters turning around with arms open, of are whole family my love. resting her hands on Lances and Brooks shoulders. The big cat makes me feel uneasy roaming around we have a newborn here Marto, maybe we need to take more precautions.

Yes Keemera I think maybe something should be done I’ll try to come up with an idea and ask Kolla next door for help. I believe your right something has brought the cat down from his mountain Marto says. Brook adds or maybe he needs to stretch his legs! Rebecca says yes father maybe the bigger he gets the smaller the mountain is to him. The girls look at each other and smirk. Father Novhra says tomorrow would you mind teaching me distance firing? Marto turns and looks at Novhra and says yes, yes that may be a good idea Novhra tomorrow would be grand.

The next day Novhra, Lance, and Hunter are preparing targets behind Martos weapons shop. Lance has set up a barrel of arrows while Hunter and Novhra put up bales of hay with targets on them. Lance asks have you paced them off you too. Hunter says yes the first is 20 meters and the other is 50 meters off. Lance says the last one will be the hard one 100 meters away. Hunter adds that’s where Novhra said looked good to him. Father walks out the back door and says these should be interesting who put the one way to the back? Lance and Hunter said at the same time Novhra! It doesn’t look that far away father Novhra states. Well let’s see what you can do then father says."

Father helps Novhra aim and Novhra takes the shot, the shot goes over. Marto explains that the speed and distance should make a good calculated arch directly to the target. Novhra tries the first high by 2 meters and missed the bale. Second to far to the right but just missing the bale two more times and then nails it dead center. Marto says, not bad now see if you can hit it a few more times. Novhra shoots three more and all three are on target within 3 MM how is that father! Novhra looks at his father and Marto is astounded. Outstanding Novhra Outstanding! Lets try something else, lets try shooting at. Novhra cuts in saying at the mushroom next to the tree there. Father, Lance, and Hunter all look at each other and say what mushrooms! Marto says if you can see it then target it and we’ll see what the outcome is. Using careful aim Novhra, fire at your leisure.

Novhra shoots and says I got it wow did you see that? The 3 of them look at each other Lance and Hunter look at each other and both says no way! Both start running towards the direction the arrow went. Stuck at the base of a tree Lance yells haa you missed! Running closer hunter says sure enough 50 meters away from him is an arrow in a mushroom. Father looks at Novhra and says how far is it can you see son? Well as he looks around he can see a squirrel at least 150 meters away but doesn’t think his bow will make a trajectory shot that far. Father directs Lance to the area Novhra points out. The squirrel Novhra points out, father runs in that direction and sure enough he can see a squirrel scurrying around. Martos stops and everyone is not far behind him they all grouped. Novhra can you see anything else as he puts his hands on Novhra’s shoulders. Sure father Novhra exclaims.

Novhra I mean can you see everything really small things like from a far distance also. Yes not just that, but colors certain colors, Lance says. he can see the color of the stones mom has been collecting for Mr. Jamison. Novhra looks at Lance and says shut up! Father asks what color where they? Novhra says well aa well blue? Martos throws his hat to the ground turns and hugs Novhra. Novhra asks if everything is okay and Martos just laughs and says fine just fine my boy I love you, and gives him a big kiss on his forehead. Hunter says what does this mean father? Marto puts his hands on Novhra’s shoulders and tells him you are Amo Cazador otherwise known as the master hunter son kissed by the gods! We have been blessed, are family has been truly blessed. Now listen boys you must not tell anyone, I really don’t want others to know please. Martos grabbed Novhra by the nap of his neck and said son it’s ok I’m sooo happy for you my son. Really if you don’t want anyone to know then we will keep it to ourselves we are elves who can be silent if need be.

Days have gone by, four days by the elven calendar the morn of the big fall celebration. Martos is trying to finish up last minute jobs.

Look sons first we need to get the bushels of hey tied off tight, the targets look good paced off. Not to mention the food the females prepared.

Pulling out the large bread roll kemmera shouts "has it been 30 minutes? Causing Malicy to cry, the girls laid the loaf on the table to cool.

Girls please take care of the rest so I can care for Malicy. the ladies of the house scurry to finish the preparations of the food. Mother it’s going to be ok.

Boys why are we all still standing around for? All of Martos sons are looking at their father like what happened here and what’s going on! Marto takes notice and says what is it sons? Well father Leemarix says we know we have work to do but what about Novhra? Novhra glares over at leemarix and the others leemarix continues. His eyes are exceptional we have known it for years but now we find out he’s seeing things father! Matros says yes we have known about his eye sight but now it has reached maturity and he can see like someone that looks through an spy glass and seeing this magic that is truly new and of the gods!

Novhra is getting upset as he says so now you’re saying I’m a god father I don’t mind mentioning that I’m scared! I don’t want to lose my family! As he turns and runs off as fast as he can Marto stands there and says this is all my fault, and calls his sons to him and says let him be boys we will continue are work here for now and wait for his return. Lance says what does this mean father is he off to change now and will we recognize him when he returns? Marto suddenly looks confused then smiles at Lance and the rest. Look first Novhra won’t change in to anything he will still be the person he has always been. Second I have never thought any less of any of you nor do I expect more then you are able to give, do you understand? You will all change this is just the way of life, the time for Novhra is now. You others also possess a talent unmatched but this one is Novhra’s that we may never match this one is his and we should never make him feel any different because of it. So for now let’s let him be, he needs to sort things out."

Novhra runs till he can’t run any more his lungs feel like they are on fire so he slows down to a walk to catch his breath. Novhra wonders what is happening to him, he felt the urge to scream, and scream he did. Standing in the forest under the moons that light up the dark sky and scream’s again and again. Finally he is exhausted then breaks down and falls to his knees and cries. Raising his hands he screams what is happening to me! And WHHYYYY! Placing his hands over his face he sobs, me why, what is happening to me? Why me Halethmeus why me? Novhra sits on the leaves for a moment then lays down for the longest time looking at the sky above. Slowly collects his thoughts and his self, he reaches into his pocket pulls out a hankie to dry his face and lays back again wondering. What is to become of me Halethmeus god of the elves?

The following day Novhra wakes up early and grabs a couple of rolls before anyone gets up and goes for a walk down the old dusty road. Crossing the field above the bay he sits with his feet hanging over the 8 meter drop looking down he notices one of Mr. Jamison’s boats. Getting up he quickly walks down and around to the boat on the beach. Picking up one side he flips it over and drags the small fishing boat to the the water’s edge. Shoves the boat back he throws the