Asmira

By Shea Caccamo

A world can only be defined by the creatures living in it, and a single soul is defined by the spirit within. When the chaos of one race threatens the lives of everyone, there is only one option to take. Kill or be killed.

Belledonna is an elven warrior and master archer who fears nothing and is prepared for anything. Her younger sister Lamari, however, tends to lose her temper from time to time. When evil befalls upon their land and Lamaris beloved is taken into custody, something is triggered within her, and she will not stop until he is rescued.

Ian is a lonely human who found refuge in a small village of elves who took him in when he was small. He now tries with all his might to prove to them and himself how strong he can really be. With his best friend, Marsh, at his side, he knows he can conquer any obstacle that may cross his path.

There is more than just one enemy to fear, and it will take more than just one ally to overcome them. When the undead begin to rise and a god appears from up above, there is no telling what will befall upon the creatures of Asmira. Not even the Council of Rulers will be able to predict what may happen next . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524567569

Shea Caccamo

Shea Caccamo was born and raised in Margate, Florida, but made her life in the area of Coral Springs. With the lifelong dream of becoming an author, she began writing in sixth grade around the age of twelve or thirteen where she grew an attachment to creating different stories from the top of her head. Her creativity and imagination only grew from there. Her short stories suddenly had chapters added to them, and that is where it all began. She now works and lives with incredible people in her life whom she draws inspiration from every single day, keeping the thought of writing forever embedded into her mind. She may be starting out young but believes her goals can reach great lengths with a little courage and a little creativity.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by Shea Caccamo.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5245-6757-6

                eBook           978-1-5245-6756-9

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.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 12/12/2016

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Contents

Chapter One: Sisters

Chapter Two: The Human and the Sword

Chapter Three: Imprisoned

Chapter Four: Destiny

Chapter Five: Reverse

Chapter Six: The Stranger

Chapter Seven: Alone

Chapter Eight: The Foreigners

Chapter Nine: A Desperate Fight

Chapter Ten: The Council

Chapter Eleven: Bravery

Chapter Twelve: The Voice

Chapter Thirteen: Betrayal

Chapter Fourteen: The Escape

Chapter Fifteen: A Helping Hand

Chapter Sixteen: Separate

Chapter Seventeen: The Savior

Chapter Eighteen: Brutal Training

Chapter Nineteen: Frozen Night

Chapter Twenty: Common Foe

Chapter Twenty One: The Truth

Chapter Twenty Two: The Valinar

Chapter Twenty Three: The Decision

Chapter Twenty Four: Old and Wise

Chapter Twenty Five: Jack Amaru

Chapter Twenty Six: The Meet

Chapter Twenty Seven: The Smile

Chapter Twenty Eight: Sudden Death

Chapter Twenty Nine: Wait

Chapter Thirty: The Beginning or the End?

Chapter Thirty One: Fear Nothing but Fear Itself

Chapter Thirty Two: The War

Chapter Thirty Three: The Endless Fight

Chapter Thirty Four: A Long Night that has No Dawn

Chapter One: Sisters

The Council of Rulers were always right; they sat up in their tall tower above everyone else watching as the creatures in the land live peacefully in towns, villages and cities. With no rules ever enforced, chaos stalked every being like they were prey. Everyone was free to roam where they pleased, this caused more than destruction and it created boundaries and broken societies that could not be undone. Rules and laws were created to settle the chaos and to create harmony; that was when everything and everyone fell apart.

The Council was carefully selected by The Gods, the only ones capable of taking over this world. They made sure that the ones that were chosen were worthy and wise, giving them the responsibility to watch over everyone, to serve and protect in any way necessary; and The Council did just that. They furtively spoke about each member, they knew every name and every purpose, they were able to indicate their destinies and their journeys so that they may guide them to where they needed to go. They knew everything that was going on at every given moment; they were able to predict the future; while they, themselves, were erratic. They know who is ravenous, trouble, unintelligible, and powerful. They are the Rulers of Asmira.

Much further out of the city was a sneaky Elf and her Nightsaber, a wild beast that took the form of a large sabertooth tiger with black fur and big yellow eyes, who were troublemaking once again. She was in a place called Narelpine, home to creatures that were more demon-like than animals. They were known as Yursa bears and they were not the friendliest of beasts.

Hiding behind a large tree, Belledonna was hunting on the forbidden grounds of the Yursa bears, which were just like any other bear aside from the fact that they looked more rabid than any other living animal. A small smirk appeared on the corner of her mouth as her bright green eyes narrowed on the nearest light brown bear. Her grip on her strong bow tightened as she steadied her heart and got ready to strike.

Are you ready, Meredith? She asked her light black Nightsaber as she strummed her soft fur, listening to her growl softly beside her.

As she gazed upon the ravenous Yursa bears, she streaked her fingers through the red feathers at the end of her arrow, pulling it slightly as she took her stance in the grass. She took in a deep, heavy breath and stood from her hiding place, aiming her arrow with one eye closed.

Now Meredith!

Meredith didn’t hesitate when Belledonna shouted the attack signal; she pounced from the high growing grass and lurked into the field toward her prey.

Belledonna shot her arrow, making the angry bear lunge towards Meredith as they began clawing at each other furiously. Belledonna shot another arrow, finishing the attack. She drew another and aimed it for a second Yursa as Meredith followed the strike. The hunting continued until there were none left to kill, with Belledonna starting an attack and Meredith finishing it. Belledonna never missed a single shot.

She dislodged her beautifully, handcrafted bow from her left hand to her right as she hopped down from the green hill with a large smile, meeting up with her Nightsaber in the center of the field.

Nice job, Meredith! She said, patting her head gently as she giggled, kneeling beside her.

She stood and allowed the wind to blow her extensively long blonde hair in the breeze as her eyes shined proudly. The leaves she left on the top of her head were for decoration as her long pointed ears shot out past her head. The jagged, metal shoulder pads she wore for protection, wrapping them fully around her arms to keep them secure. Her low cut shirt was tightened around her body, it angled downward in an upside down horseshoe shape revealing her lower tummy beautifully. Her long, blowing red skirt was cut on both sides of her waist all the way down and hung low as she watched the flowing grass.

Her long, pointed ears heard the small nibble of yet another prey. She turned quickly, her hair slapping her face as she blinked in a flash, spotting a creature to her left. It was a Blutok Deer which is a unique and beautiful animal with its long neck, lightly colored blue fur and antlers that stretched upward majestically. It’s ears were long and pointed sideways and its snout took the shape of a large dog. Many of these creatures roamed these parts so no remorse came from taking the life of one of these animals for a simple meal. She grinned as she blinked downward to Meredith. Shall I fix you some lunch? I’ll make it the way you like.

Meredith began purring as she sat rigidly. Belledonna’s smile rose as her bow sprung upward slowly. She aimed perfectly with straight and strong arms; she then shot the speeding missile with intensity, killing it with one shot. She chuckled.

Go fetch it, Meredith! She announced, pointing.

Meredith obeyed, not lingering by her owner’s side. She did not wish to dawdle while her lunch was getting cold. She threw the lifeless deer over her back and trotted back to Belledonna tilting her head as her ear was scratched.

Belledonna looked around the field of dead Yursa bears, taking in a deep breath. They had killed a field of bears in five short minutes. Their divine abilities were indeed incredible.

Belledonna chuckled. That’ll teach them for trying to over throw our rights. She spoke of the law shot down on Elves about trespassing and hunting on forbidden land, Belledonna wanted to prove that no one could order her around and tell her what she can and cannot do.

Meredith roared loudly in agreement.

Belledonna laughed. Come on girl, let’s go, she said as Meredith followed her owner home.

Entering her dark house was comforting but lonely, she kept remembering the way she used to live and the home she left behind. Elves once lived together in harmony in houses that were all built the same in a city where no one ever left, known as Lenell. Belledonna once loved it there, how peaceful it was and welcoming; however, that changed when chaos struck. Elves were dragged from their homes and forced to become Soldiers under the name of Stone who was not an Elf yet somehow became their superior. He trained them under his wing and broke their humanity along the way, turning them against their own kind and driving the Elves into a sense of insecurity. Along with this betrayal, Belledonna also lost her parents in a raid in which she no longer wishes to remember. After the event, she fled her home and found another in the forest, alone and safe. No one knew she was out there, except one.

Belledonna suddenly sensed something different as she observed her living room carefully while Meredith set down her lunch near the front door.

Meredith noticed her troubled owner and had a premonition that something was wrong.

Although she was alarmed, Belledonna still felt serenity within herself. As she rummaged around, her impassive face was indecipherable. She then froze in mid step once she got to her bedroom.

Hey sis!

Belledonna let out a sigh of relief once finding out it was not an intruder, but her younger sister. Lamari, what the hell are you doing here?

Meredith! Lamari shouted as Belledonna’s Nightsaber entered the room, utterly ignoring her question; she quickly jumped from her bed to hug her.

Belledonna sighed with her hands on her hips. She then angrily pulled on the back of her younger sister’s shirt, yanking her up to her feet to face her. Talk.

Larmari’s smile never left which is what confused her sister the most for it is not an expression she makes often. Lamari pushed passed her as she answered. What? I can’t visit my sister anymore?

No, because you never have before. We don’t make a habit of hanging out with each other, there’s a reason you came, Belledonna spoke as she followed her sister to the bathroom watching as she combed her long brown, stringy hair. Her outfit matched her sister’s only hers had a color of brown with tight leggings which matched her top. You know that I’m right.

Lamari sighed as she passed her and headed back down stairs where Belledonna followed directly. Would you stop running from me and just say why you’re here!? she demanded

Lamari scavenged through her fridge, trying not to look tentative. She then turned to Belledonna’s glowering eyes and surrendered. Fine!

Belledonna listened intently with her arms crossed over her chest.

Belle, I need your help.

With what? She ordered.

Casey got into trouble again, She admitted.

Belledonna sighed annoyingly, dropping her arms. What did he do this time?

He’s been captured.

Chapter Two: The Human and the Sword

The speeding feet of a young boy running through the soft grass was utterly silent compared to the loudness of the screaming Elf Soldiers chasing after him. His beating heart thumped in his ears, his lungs pounded as they began losing oxygen. His torn red cape trailing wildly behind him, a stolen golden sword dangling and wobbling at his side. He was growing exhausted but suddenly became nervous as he neared a large rock cliff.

Get back here boy!

We’ve got him cornered!

Surrender while you still can!

He tried to ignore each annoying comment the soldiers had shouted at him. He shook his head to move his dangling black hair from his forehead and sped up his pace with no fear in his eyes as he got closer to the impenetrable cliff.

Only two more moments passed before he was in the air, falling downward freely.

Every soldier froze in astonishment once reaching the edge, watching the thief release his sword and blaze it into the rock wall on the other side, sliding down then coming to a stop towards the ground.

The boy then kicked off the wall, releasing the sword from the solid rock and flipping backwards to his feet. He stared upward at the soldiers above him as he sheathed the blade and began running down the aisle of rock.

You know, you can’t keep this up, Ian.

Ian turned in surprise to see a very large Elf leaning on the end of the wall to his right; his large arms crossed, his left foot resting on the wall allowing his knee to pop out stiffly. His long black eye brows were down low as it camouflaged with his long, black hair which hung over his shoulders yet passing his tall pointed ears.

Ian sighed as he continued walking. Don’t start with me, Marsh.

Ian, this is wrong and you know it. You need to stop, Marsh warned. You don’t deserve that sword.

Oh, and you think those lowlifes do!? Ian shouted, turning to him angrily. You don’t think that they probably stole it from someone else!?

I meant that you’re not fit to wield it. You don’t know how powerful that thing is, you don’t know what it can do; you’re probably not strong enough to control it, you’re just a human, Marsh explained calmly.

Keep it up, Marsh, Ian tempted furiously as he kept walking, knowing his old friend would follow.

Is there a reason you’re doing this?

I need to become stronger and this sword can grant me that, he answered, keeping his eyes on the trail in front of him.

Besides that, you didn’t just do this to retrieve a sword; you wanted to get back at the Elf Soldiers. You’re different when you’re around them, I’ve seen it in you. Marsh paused for a moment then continued. Ian tell me, is there a reason you despise Elves so much?

Ian ignored him as he kept stomping away.

Ian! Marsh grabbed his shoulders and forced him against a nearby tree at the start of a forest, holding both of his shoulders to keep him still. Tell me!

Fine! Ian hollered back. Elf Soldiers killed my family!

Marsh’s grip on him loosened.

They broke into my house and annihilated my parents! Ian yelled, rolling his shoulders lose and showing him how thwarted he was. I was fortunate enough to have survived, I hid in our underground basement all night. By the time I came back up, they were gone and my house was burned to the ground.

By now, Marsh was glad that Ian had calmed down but he felt more ashamed for screaming at him before hearing the story. Of all the years we’ve known each other, why have you never told me that?

I didn’t want people to know, I didn’t want their pity. When I came upon your village I was scarred for life, I’ve loathed Elves ever since that night but I wanted to start over with a new family. You gave me that, Ian continued.

You know, not all Elves are like that, Marsh added.

Yes they are, he mumbled under his breath as he hung his head down low.

I’m not.

Ian looked up in surprise, he then sighed in shame. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.

Marsh smiled sincerely. Don’t worry about it, just know that I’ll always be here for you.

Ian grinned, relieved that he had his best friend with him even though there was more to the story that he did not know.

There he is!

They both turned in awe as they saw a group of Elf Soldiers piling up behind them. It was the same group who had been chasing Ian earlier, except now they all armed themselves with bows and arrows. The first was shot