Phoenix Quest 2 Journey to the Underworld: Journey to the Underworld

By James Malcolm

The Abduction
Prince Aiden and Princess Ariana were busy making preparations to celebrate the wonder of their first anniversary. The year had flown by, fulfilling their every dream. Aiden had adapted well to the expectations and demands of royalty, along with fatherhood. Angus, two months old, was the pride and joy of the monarchy. The marriage and parenthood brought out the softer side of the blacksmith. His son looked much like him and he held his legacy as often as possible. Princess Camille loved being a first time aunt, spending as much time as she could with Ariana and the baby. The king and Gideon reflected their approval, but usually at a distance.
Aiden had relocated his blacksmith trade inside the perimeter of the castle walls, training his two replacements, while using the forge from time to time, to satisfy a more creative nature. His travels had shown him a wide array of artistic applications for his craft and a use that had yet to be satisfied in the kingdom. Aiden designed plates, bowls, mugs and a variety of hand tools, most of which were given away after fulfilling the needs of the royal family.
Surprisingly, hed given his cottage to a village family, whose child had told the best story at one of his weekly gatherings. The prince had become a farmer, as well, having recently harvested his first crop of corn. Hed dried kernels for the evenings anniversary festivities in the courtyard. It would be his first presentation of pop corn since his return from the quest. He could hardly wait to see the reaction his new treat would have on the children and the prince planned to hand kernels out to the villagers for the next years planting. Times were good and spirits high, in the realm, where the future looked promising for all.
King Darian commissioned the kingdoms first ship. The vessel was built of the finest wood, with help from the Egyptian carpenters. It was a beauty to behold, equal in size to the Argo and the ship would open the island up to trade with countries in the inland sea. Jib supervised the raising of the ship and became the kingdoms first captain, through kings decree. The ship was christened the Phoenix, to honor Aidens quest and his daughters royal marriage. It was the first of six vessels commissioned by the king, with shipbuilding and global trade escalating the rapid growth of the small, inadequate anchorage.
Scota sailed back to Egypt aboard the Phoenix on its maiden voyage at her fathers request and having lost any other reason to stay. Everything changed for her with the emotional loss of her husband at the hands of the Nordics. The princess carried the phoenix feather on the return to her homeland, fulfilling Aidens commitment to Queen Nefertiti. King Darian opened her old settlement up for villagers to recolonize and also began construction of a larger seaport capable of handling the increased demands of the realm. The new harbors location was near the mouth of a small river, less than a mile from the castle.
While plans for the anniversary celebration were being finalized, Aiden went to the gatehouse to pay the wizard a visit. He hadnt seen Edric since just after his son was born. He took dried corn kernels, from the crop the wizard had helped him plant, to show the magician some of his own magic. Edric hadnt been as preoccupied with his magic mirror since the quest had concluded, spending much of his time grooming his own garden. When there was no answer at the door, the prince walked to the backside of the gatehouse, finding the wizard clipping roses from his prized bushes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493152896

James Malcolm

James lives with his wife Shellie on Harstine Island in Washington State. He is an avid fantasy fiction and lyrical poetry author working on his twenty fifth book.

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by James Malcolm.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2013922596

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-4931-5288-9

               Softcover         978-1-4931-5287-2

               eBook               978-1-4931-5289-6

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.

Rev. date: 12/28/2013

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Contents

1.   The Abduction

2.   Haides Unveiled

3.   Back To Amarna

4.   Avernian Gate

5.   The Labyrinth

6.   Asphodel Fields

7.   Deaths Road

8.   Claims of Possession

9.   Judgment Day

10.   Sibyl’s Prophesy

11.   Fate of the Missing Crew

Character Map

The Abduction

Prince Aiden and Princess Ariana were busy making preparations to celebrate the wonder of their first anniversary. The year had flown by, fulfilling their every dream. Aiden had adapted well to the expectations and demands of royalty, along with fatherhood. Angus, two months old, was the pride and joy of the monarchy. The marriage and parenthood brought out the softer side of the blacksmith. His son looked much like him and he held his legacy as often as possible. Princess Camille loved being a first time aunt, spending as much time as she could with Ariana and the baby. The king and Gideon reflected their approval, but usually at a distance.

Aiden had relocated his blacksmith trade inside the perimeter of the castle walls, training his two replacements, while using the forge from time to time, to satisfy a more creative nature. His travels had shown him a wide array of artistic applications for his craft and a use that had yet to be satisfied in the kingdom. Aiden designed plates, bowls, mugs and a variety of hand tools, most of which were given away after fulfilling the needs of the royal family.

Surprisingly, he’d given his cottage to a village family, whose child had told the best story at one of his weekly gatherings. The prince had become a farmer, as well, having recently harvested his first crop of corn. He’d dried kernels for the evening’s anniversary festivities in the courtyard. It would be his first presentation of pop corn since his return from the quest. He could hardly wait to see the reaction his new treat would have on the children and the prince planned to hand kernels out to the villagers for the next years planting. Times were good and spirits high, in the realm, where the future looked promising for all.

King Darian commissioned the kingdom’s first ship. The vessel was built of the finest wood, with help from the Egyptian carpenters. It was a beauty to behold, equal in size to the Argo and the ship would open the island up to trade with countries in the inland sea. Jib supervised the raising of the ship and became the kingdom’s first captain, through king’s decree. The ship was christened the Phoenix, to honor Aiden’s quest and his daughter’s royal marriage. It was the first of six vessels commissioned by the king, with shipbuilding and global trade escalating the rapid growth of the small, inadequate anchorage.

Scota sailed back to Egypt aboard the Phoenix on its maiden voyage at her father’s request and having lost any other reason to stay. Everything changed for her with the emotional loss of her husband at the hands of the Nordic’s. The princess carried the phoenix feather on the return to her homeland, fulfilling Aiden’s commitment to Queen Nefertiti. King Darian opened her old settlement up for villagers to recolonize and also began construction of a larger seaport capable of handling the increased demands of the realm. The new harbors location was near the mouth of a small river, less than a mile from the castle.

While plans for the anniversary celebration were being finalized, Aiden went to the gatehouse to pay the wizard a visit. He hadn’t seen Edric since just after his son was born. He took dried corn kernels, from the crop the wizard had helped him plant, to show the magician some of his own magic. Edric hadn’t been as preoccupied with his magic mirror since the quest had concluded, spending much of his time grooming his own garden. When there was no answer at the door, the prince walked to the backside of the gatehouse, finding the wizard clipping roses from his prized bushes.

Good afternoon, Edric, I thought I’d stop by and see what keeps you so occupied these days.

It’s good to see you too, Aiden. I’m proud to say my red and white roses will decorate your table tonight.

They’re beautiful and I see your beard is as green as your thumb.

It’s all about the harvest, both in the kingdom and my garden. This year’s crop has been exceptional.

That’s one of the reasons I’m here. I saw smoke rising from your chimney and thought, if you don’t mind the interruption, I’d show you a little magic of my own.

Curiosity is what drives the wizard in me. Let’s see what you’ve got and let me decide whether your magic is worthy enough to serve any purpose.

I’ll need the use of your fire and a kettle.

The two friends went inside. Edric removed his firepot, which held a slow cooking stew and replaced it with a smaller one. Aiden put another log on the fire and added a lean animal fat to the pot, infused with a small amount of finely crushed garlic. He allowed the suet to cook down to a liquid mixture before removing the solids, dropping in the kernels and covering his unique discovery with a lid. The wizard poured two mugs of hard cider and they sat waiting for the charmed corn to perform. It wasn’t long before the popping began pounding against the sides and lid of the pot, spewing a few white puffs on the hearth. The wizard picked a piece off the floor and studied it intently, before popping it in his mouth.

So where did you discover this fine morsel?

I found it on my visit to the Balearic Islands. It’s much better with butter, so I’m having some churned for tonight.

Does this magic of yours have a name?

They called it pop corn.

It’s very, very delightful. By the way, did you know the Phoenix has returned from Egypt? The ship arrived this morning.

Good, I wasn’t sure if Jib would make it back in time for the party. I’m headed to the port, if you’d care to join me.

Thanks, but my garden still needs some attention and I have a few things to finish before tonight.

Aiden left the wizard to his tasks and munching popcorn. He rode to the port, on the hunch Jib might still be there. Activity on the docks was minimal, with the ship already unloaded. He poked his head in the realm’s only warehouse, finding the captain reviewing the shipping documents with Dak.

Good to see you made it back for the celebration, captain.

That was my goal, after all. I wouldn’t be much of a captain if I couldn’t keep a schedule.

How are things in Egypt?

Tragic news, I’m sorry to say. The plague which Meritaten or Scota had feared, swept across the country. The pharaoh and three of his daughters, Meketaten, Neferneferure and baby Setepenre, have all died from the pestilence.

That’s catastrophic.

It is, but there was some good news. Meritaten made it home in time to become Egypt’s new queen. She married the pharaoh, Smenkhkare.

Scota is Queen of Egypt? What a surprise. I’m sure she didn’t expect such an honor. What of Nefertiti?

The queen mother’s heart is filled with sadness and despair. She’s a strong woman though, maintaining her public image. She gave me this small necklace as a gift to your newborn son and sends her sincere congratulations.

The necklace was silver; with a medallion depicting a phoenix perched on a pillar at the Sun Temple of Heliopolis. Aiden was pleased, but astonished by the kind thought at such a difficult time. The men walked to the harbor’s inn for two tall ales and recollected their past visit with the royal family the year before. It was a sad fact and hard to understand, that half the ruling family was gone. After downing the pints the prince rode back to the castle to share the grim details with the king, his wife and the wizard.

The gathering in the square was raising colorful tents and already had their fires lit. Aiden had become more comfortable with the size of crowds, since his marriage and new found popularity. He spent a short time greeting the villagers, before going inside. Aiden found Ariana sitting in their bed chamber, breastfeeding his son, with Camille standing nearby. He shared the sad news out of Egypt and passed the gifted necklace to the sisters to view, before hanging the medallion from the wall above the wooden crib. Camille insisted on caring for her nephew during the celebration, giving her sister the freedom to enjoy their anniversary. Camille took up the baby, cradling him in her arms, while Aiden and Ariana paid a visit to the king, there after, departing for a walk in the garden.

The princess was searching for the perfect rose to wear in her hair, as she’d done for their wedding day. The adornment was her bequest from nature, with a touch of her mother. They walked, hand in hand, amidst the fragrance and beauty of the garden, enjoying the warmth of the sun. Their passion and devotion to each other hadn’t lost its magic, as the two locked in a romantic embrace and deep kiss.

What color would you choose between red, yellow or white?

That would depend on the color of your dress.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say you had a feminine side.

What do you mean feminine side? You never say such things when we make love.

Oh, dear prince, you’re all the man I can handle.

That’s more like it. Flatter a man with words he desires to hear. What color is the dress?

Light yellow with white trim.

Yellow would match the color of your hair, but white is the flower of angels.

I’m no angel, my dear. You should know that by now.

You’ll always be an angel in my eyes, love, despite your limited inhibitions.

Love should have no boundaries when it comes to passion and pleasing the other, she teased, touching his groin.

Are you trying to embarrass me?

I could never embarrass you.

Right, well, white is still my color of choice.

Then white it is.

Aiden knew the final selection would be hers, despite his preference. He spotted Gideon at the far edge of the garden using his sling, so he gave his wife one last hug before striding off to join the young prince. The two challenged the other’s talent with a sling, but Aiden was no match for his younger brother-in-law, who had become quite competent with the weapon. Gideon had already employed the sling to hunt wild turkeys, with reasonable success. Their relationship had grown closer since the marriage of his sister, and at seventeen, Gideon was a man in every measure. He would soon be old enough to seek a wife of his own.

It was only an hour until the festivities were scheduled to begin. Ariana fed the baby one more time before the prince and princess began to dress for the party. The princess was as ravishing as she was on their wedding day and Aiden knew he was a fortunate man. He was still living his dream, everyday in everyway and was blessed with a precious son. There was nothing else he needed to fulfill his life, as he already had more than a man could ask. Both gave the baby one last kiss on the forehead before leaving him in the good hands of his aunt Camille.

Darian was in good spirits when the couple arrived at the sanctuary. The marriage had filled a void that had haunted the kingdom for several years since the queen’s death. The relationship between the people and the monarchy had become one of wonder, hope and inclusion. Inside the walls of the castle was a spirit of love and compassion. Laughter was a common occurrence, bringing a sense of peace to the heart of the king. He too, spent more time mingling amongst his people.

You two lovers can sit on the thrones tonight, while I wander about. You’re the talk of the kingdom and they all come to see you. They love you more than your mother and I, in our younger years. They know your rule is forthcoming, as their next king and queen, guiding the future of the kingdom. I only wish she were here to see the inspiration you’ve created.

Father, we love you, but save the speeches for your subjects. You’re the king and your rule is far from over. The people are devoted to you and ardently accept the positive changes you’ve made in the kingdom.

Thank you, Ariana, but their eyes are focused on you, not me. If the truth be told, Aiden is the one who brought about much of that change. As one of their own, he’s touched their hearts with his courage and character. I’m grateful for that.

Sire, you flatter me. Don’t underestimate your influence. The change’s we’ve made all started with you, the prince assured.

The three walked the corridor to the square, where Gideon was already captivating the throng. Children were taking turns tossing coins in the air for the prince, testing his marksmanship with the sling and each one he struck, they got to put in their pocket. The line was long and the prince was accurate. The wizard was also charming his audience with magic, a short distance away. Puffs of smoke were common and for the first time, Edric made himself disappear, leaving them stunned when their search found no trace of the vanishing magician.

Now you see me. Now you don’t.

Aiden responded to the whisper in his ear, finding nothing behind him but a stone wall. The wizard’s playfulness brought a smile to his face.

Nice. I hope this isn’t going to become a regular occurrence.

Why would you say that?

Some things are meant to stay private. There are times I shouldn’t have to wonder where you are.

I would never use my magic in such a way, Edric defended himself, as he became visible again.

I trust that you wouldn’t, otherwise I’d be forced to ask for the ruby necklace back. It would surely reveal your presence with the proper spell.

It could, but this is strictly for amusement and no other purpose.

The wizard disappeared once again, returning to the children, only showing his long white cloak at first, before he totally restored his form. The prince and princess wandered among the people, holding hands and received their guests, as did the king, before taking their place under the portico. Ariana took her seat at the throne while Aiden excused himself to share the magic of his pop corn, leaving his chair to Gideon for the time being.

King Darian joined Aiden by the fires to view the prince’s amazing process first hand. The king was impressed by Aiden’s ability to relate with his subjects. He showed warmth and sincerity in his interactions with the people, winning their trust as well as their hearts. His wife also took pleasure in watching his expressive presentation from her seat at the portico. He was an amazing man, her man, who had so much to offer and asked little in return. Aiden’s white puffs were an instant success with both the children and adults, causing a rousing outburst of approval, cut short by a sudden scream.

"ARIANA, AIDEN, ANGUS IS GONE! Camille screamed, running to the portico and dropping to her sister’s feet. Angus is gone. I’m sorry, so sorry," she continued through her tears.

What do you mean he’s gone? Gone where? Ariana asked frantically, rising from her chair and lifting her sister to her feet.

A gasp befell those closest to the grave announcement, but Aiden and the king were too far away to receive the devastating news.

I held him until he fell asleep and then laid him in his crib. I went to my bed chamber, changed my clothes and grabbed my robe. When I returned to your room a few moments later the crib was empty.

How can that be? Babies don’t just disappear.

I can’t say how? It all happened so fast.

When the wizard overheard the emotional conversation he ran to notify Prince Aiden and King Darian of the missing child. The three hurried to Ariana’s side, who had become as terrified as her sister. Filled with fear and frustration, they all ran to the empty bed chamber. Each was dumbfounded by the empty crib and began to search the room. The king opened the door leading to the balcony, finding a dead chicken with its head removed and feathers strewn across the stones. Blood was everywhere and the view was horrifying.

What madness is this? There’s a vindictive and vile message here, the king spoke.

Is this some horridly vicious message left by some lunatic in the kingdom? Gideon surmised.

I refuse to believe that. The spilling of blood has something to do with the baby. The implication is intended to create fear among us, Aiden said sadly.

Who could do such a thing and why would they take my baby? I don’t understand, Ariana spoke, filled with grief and rolling tears.

I believe this says it all, the wizard spoke in a sorrowful tone, standing before a wall mirror across the room.

Written across the mirror in blood were the revealing words, I want my ring back. Aiden could hardly believe what his eyes could clearly see. The words he’d heard so many times before had found their way to his bedchamber in the castle.

Lilith! was the only word the prince uttered.

"LILITH! I thought the perverse demands of that witch were behind us, Ariana stammered. Why would she take my baby?"

Because, as part of her domain, she prey’s on the innocence of infants and children, the wizard advised. There’s more to the Queen of Haides than meets the eye. Are these your poppies framing the mirror?

No. Why? Do they have significance? Ariana asked.

The poppy is Lilith’s flower representing death.

DEATH, WHAT CRUELTY IS THIS? Ariana screamed through her tears.

It’s Lilith’s threat of what’s to follow. Otherwise she would never have taken the baby as a pawn.

How do you know such things wizard?

Lilith is referenced in my Book of Spells.

What better way to get back at me. That witch is damn serious about getting her ring back and I made the critical mistake of underestimating her persistence. Lilith said I would feel the pain of her wrath and that threat has come to pass, Aiden admitted.

Why leave the blood splattered about? the king asked.

It is written that Lilith is a vampire witch. Blood worship is common in her realm, but I feel this is more about the baby. Lilith has a reputation and history of exercising her free will over infants. The blood is simply another threat of potential harm, Edric shared.

What do you mean free will over children? Ariana asked the wizard, as she wiped the tears from her cheeks with her hands.

We all need to find a place to sit down. This misfortune will take some time to explain.

The sanctuary will serve that purpose, the king suggested.

The