The Kingdom of Ambrosia: The Soul-Walkers: The Kingdom of Ambrosia, #1

By Howlett and Dixon

In the first of the Kingdom of Ambrosia Series, death has a funny way of revealing secrets that were meant to stay hidden forever. Five years after her father passed away, Sillara Mur'ana, and two of her friends, were charged with a mission of vengeance. 

During this mission, they work alongside two teenagers from the enemy world, they run into kindred souls, fight dangerous creatures, and discover an avalanche of secrets that were buried by their Leaders. 

Will they survive long enough to see their opposing worlds come to peace? Or will they perish in the war?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Howlett and Dixon
• Release date: Jan 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201898144

Howlett and Dixon

Eric is from Wichita, KS. He loves all genres of books and movies, and has for his entire life. From roleplaying to poetry, his love for writing is great. Building this world and creating these lives has been a dream come true for him. Nikki is from Chillicothe, IL. Her love of fandoms has always helped her use of imagination. She has always loved making up stories and putting her thoughts onto paper for as long as she can remember. She’s written poems, short stories, and more. Her love of reading has continued to drive her to make this dream come true.

Book preview

Prologue: Legend of Aquaria

Mikel Jurasik sits on his throne, motioning for a young child to sit on his knee. Come, Castillo. I have something important to tell you. His voice echoes slightly against the adjoining thrones.

What about me, Dad? A slightly older child asks, appearing from behind Mikel.

A smile tugs at the corners of Mikel’s mouth. Yes, Muran, you need to hear this too.

Muran and Castillo quickly climb into Mikel’s lap, their eyes wide with curiosity.

Mikel wraps his arms around his children as he sighs heavily. I need to tell you a story.

A story? Castillo’s face lights up.

Yes, a story! Muran nods in agreement.

Mikel chuckles. A long time ago...

Dad, is this story...real? Muran asks.

Shh, yes son.

WOW!

Mikel ruffles his son’s hair. A long time ago, there were two...people. Their names were Koran and Esteria. They became Soul-Walkers.

Castillo’s eyes widen. What’s a Soul-Walker?

Muran playfully shoves Castillo. It’s when two people love each other.

Castillo’s nose wrinkles. Ew. I’m never having a Soul-Walker.

Mikel laughs. "Just wait till you get older, Cas. You may change your mind."

Castillo sticks his tongue out and shakes his head. Nope!

Mikel shakes his head. Anyway, Koran and Esteria became Soul-Walkers. They lived on Aquaria, and they had a family. Their kids were Kala and Dyalla. This was when Aquaria and Solaria were friends, and we traded together. He clears his throat. For an unknown reason, at least to me, things went to the Abyss. The Elders of Aquaria despised the family. So, they came to the Council of Solaria. Together, Solaria and Aquaria formed a plan.

Muran’s brow furrows. Why didn’t they like the family?

Mikel shrugs. Son, I’m not sure. It could be because of someone not being Soul-Walkers with a young girl... He eyes Castillo mischievously. Unlike me, how did you guys come around? Found you in some egg?

Castillo shrugs. I don’t know!

Muran rolls his eyes playfully. Okay, Dad...continue with the story.

Mikel winks. Well, the Council and Elders came up with a plan. This plan consisted of tearing the family apart, never to see each other again. Aquaria kept Esteria and Kala, and Solaria took Koran and Dyalla. Solaria and Aquaria agreed never to discuss the matter again. They kept the family separated, and they parted ways.

Castillo’s eyes sadden. That’s so sad, Dad...

Mikel nods. "I know. The worst part of the whole story is, there were rumors as to why Aquaria and Solaria never talked anymore. The rumors turned into myths, and those myths turned into the Legend of Aquaria, which is the story I’m telling you about. The legend itself states: Koran stole Dyalla in the middle of the night, leaving Esteria and Kala behind to fend for themselves, to retreat to Solaria. Once on Solaria, he and Dyalla helped the Council run Solaria, and they never returned to Aquaria. Esteria and Kala helped the Elders run Aquaria, and soon forgot about Koran and Dyalla.

As more years passed, the Legend caused a rivalry between Aquaria and Solaria. They never spoke, and love between the two worlds was forbidden. Anyone that fell in love between the two lands was to be executed.

Muran and Castillo look at Mikel, their eyes wide. Executed? Muran demands.

Castillo shakes his head frantically. "That’s it. I’m never falling in love!"

Ch. 1: The Amulets

Y our destiny is to become Guardians. A male voice says as he reaches for his daughter’s hands with his own. You’re legally able to join when you’re sixteen years of age. He looks at his oldest daughter, his green eyes glistening. Caramille, that’s in three years. I want you to continue your training, you’re doing wonderfully. He turns to his youngest daughter, pride evident in his voice. Sillara, that’s five years for you. You’re going to make a great fighter pilot.

The two girls take their father’s hands, standing on either side of an all-white bed with rails. Machines stand on either side of the bed, beeping and blinking with different vital information about the man lying in a slightly upright position, just enough to see the people in front of him and be comfortable. Phillip Mur’ana has tubes and wires in various places on his body, linking him to the very machines keeping him alive. He takes a deep, labored breath through his nose with the borrowed air the oxygen machine spits out. He then leans his head back on his pillow and looks each of his daughters in the eye.

You two have each other, and I want you to remember that, He adds as he hands them each a gold chain. On this gold chain, there is a small amulet in the shape of a snake coiling around a dagger. The dark red snake has two emerald gems for eyes, and the dagger has a large crystal-blue gem on the hilt. As long as you wear these, you will always have a piece of each other and myself with you.

Thank you, Baba, Caramille and Sillara say together as they each take the amulets from Phillip. They help each other hook the chain around the other’s neck.

His eyes glisten more as he fights back tears. Always be there for each other.

We will, Caramille states firmly, nodding her head.

Until every star fades, Phillip says. He takes his last breath.

The machines monitoring his vitals start to beep rapidly before slowing and mixing with the background noise as Caramille and Sillara look at each other, tears in their eyes.

And the abyss swallows us, The girls whisper simultaneously.

And the abyss swallows us, Tamara whispers to herself before she puts her hands on each of their shoulders and leads them away from Phillip as the Healers get to work in the room. This symbol is the exact one they were talking about this morning. But...what is he missing? Should I talk to the Elders about this? Maybe mention the amulets? Or, should I take them from the girls so they don’t find out? She thinks as she guides the girls to the waiting room.

Cringing at the memory of what her late Soul-Walker said before passing, Tamara forces a sigh to remain calm. Your ‘destiny’ is to become Guardians? Tamara shakes her head, fighting back the tears, despite the differences they had.

But, Mother, you were just inducted into the Eldership of Aquaria this morning. How can you not believe it is our destiny? Caramille asks.

Respect the Elder’s wishes. Tamara says quietly as she looks away from her daughters. Besides, I don’t know what else I’m allowed to say, She whispers.

Sillara looks puzzled and overwhelmed. What wishes? She probes. Looking at her sister, she raises an eyebrow as she takes a step towards her mother. Mother? She asks.

I’d really rather not discuss this, girls. Just... She takes a deep breath, ...stop asking, Tamara says sternly.

Sillara nods before looking at Caramille, knowing right then that she would become a fighter pilot and lead a squadron like she and her father had discussed.

Caramille decides to become a defensive station commander, like she and her father had been training for the last few years.

As the next five years passed, Sillara trains hard to become a warrior. She trains with her best friend, Tillyanne, almost every single day. Joining occasionally, Caramille focuses more on the tactical aspect of training.

Sitting at her console, Caramille trains on her defensive fire and coordination of trade ships along with directing her squadrons to patrol routes.

Caramille and Sillara sit at the table with Tamara one evening after their training exercises. The silence is unbearable for Sillara to handle. So, Caramille, how was training? She asks as she takes another bite of her food.

Absolutely not, Tamara snaps before Caramille has a chance to say anything in response.

What? Caramille asks in shock.

"I will not talk about the guardianship or training to become warriors under my dome. I do not support your training or your ambition to join the guardianship." Tamara retorts, not backing down on her opinion about the guardianship.

Mother, why? Caramille and I are training to become warriors. Why can’t we discuss it as a family? Sillara asks quietly, looking down at her plate to avoid eye contact.

How many times must I remind you that I do not need to explain myself when it comes to my opinion of the Elders or the guardianship? Tamara slams her glass down, sending shards flying as it shatters. Muttering under her breath, she shoves away from the table and storms off.

Why can we never talk about it? Sillara looks at Caramille quizzically.

I’m not sure; however, we will get through this together. That’s why I’ve waited to be sworn in. I want to do this with you. Caramille says encouragingly as they finish their dinner, quietly discussing their training day so Tamara would not hear them.

Once they had finished their dinner, Caramille stands up and carefully scoops up the shattered pieces of glass into her hands to throw them away. I don’t want her to see that it was left here. She thinks.

The next week passes, Caramille and Sillara keeping quiet about the promotion ceremony they eagerly prepare to attend.

The morning of the ceremony, Caramille and Sillara change into their Aquarian Warrior uniforms and lace their boots. Are you ready? Caramille asks from the doorway of their shared room, straightening a pin on the front of her uniform top.

Sillara straightens her top once more. As ready as I’ll ever be.

Let’s head out.

Yoshi and Kyral stand outside the Mur’ana house, waiting eagerly for Caramille and Sillara. This is so exciting! Kyral grins widely.

Yoshi fusses with her skirt, sighing heavily. Why can’t we just knock?

Kyral cups Yoshi’s chin, guiding her to meet her gaze. Babe, calm down. You look beautiful.

Yoshi blushes deeply and smiles. Thank you.

Kyral plants a kiss on Yoshi’s lips. They’ll be ready any minute. I don’t want to alert the Major General that we’re here.

Tillyanne shushes the girls. She could hear us!

Yoshi nods. I wish my tante was more supportive about it.

Kyral raises an eyebrow. Yeah, so do I.

Caramille opens the door and smiles. Hey, guys!

Kyral hugs Caramille and grins. You guys ready?

Caramille pulls Kyral off to the side, whispering, Hey, I brought the thing.

Kyral grins eagerly. I’m going to ask her tonight. You’ll be there, right?

Caramille sighs exasperatedly. Duh...

Kyral giggles. I’m so excited. We have our entire lives together!

Caramille sneaks the ring box into Kyral’s bag, making sure not to be seen.

Kyral raises an eyebrow. Wait... She looks around before lowering her voice even more. "...is he going to be there?"

Caramille sighs. I want to tell my sister, but I don’t want to take away from her promotion ceremony by introducing her to someone that...

Kyral stops Caramille. No, you’re right. I get why you’d want to keep him to yourself.

Caramille rolls her eyes and shoves Kyral. Shut up!

Kyral mockingly rubs her arm. Ouch! Holyrock!

Sillara hugs Tillyanne. Are you ready to be Warriors?

Yoshi rolls her eyes and playfully pushes Sillara’s shoulder. You’re already Warriors, kozijn. You just now have a title.

Tillyanne smirks. Holyrock, you’re right.

Caramille approaches the others. Come on, let’s get going before Mother hears all the commotion. She guides everyone away from their dome.

Welcome to our promotion ceremony! An older lady, with greying hair, says in a loud voice from the podium in front of the crowd in the middle of the dark blue stage.

There are three gold tridents on either side of the stage, and one giant one behind the stage against the back wall. The one on the back wall has giant blue sapphire gems on each point of the trident. Out among the crowd, each chair has a small gold trident engraved on the back. The middle aisle is lined with water lilies. The ceiling of the dome is glass, allowing the natural light to shine inside. Blue lights line the floor along the edges of the dome.

We are gathered here today to promote our young warriors-to-be to their leadership positions. They have taken this most recent year to train harder than they’ve ever trained to prove themselves ready for this milestone in their lives. Today, we recognize the sweat, tears, and intensive training, Nurani states. Please welcome our General, Trillia Mur’ana, as she recognizes our young warriors, She says as she claps and backs away from the podium.

Thank you, High Priestess, Trillia says as she approaches the podium. I have seen so many of you grow up, and it’s been an exciting experience to see what wonderful warriors you have become. Please excuse me if I shed a couple tears, but I always do as I welcome new officers, She laughs before pulling out a scroll.

I’d like to welcome Major Caramille Mur’ana, our leader over the Stinger Squadron, Major Sillara Mur’ana, our leader over the Abyss Squadron, and Major Tillyanne Du’rant, our leader over the Trident Squadron. She says as she claps.

The girls take turns walking onto the stage, shaking hands with Trillia, accepting their medal from Nurani, and standing behind Trillia to be sworn in. They all smile proudly as they wait for their ceremony to continue.

Ladies, I would like to officially welcome you to your swearing in ceremony. Trillia says as she has Caramille, Sillara, and Tillyanne stand next to her on the stage. Caramille stood slightly taller than Sillara and Tillyanne. Please, repeat after me.

Trillia reads the induction scroll with reverence. Joining the guardianship, I’m placing my life in place of the planet. I swear to uphold its traditions, values, and morals for the rest of my days. I swear to always protect my people and my planet from all types of harm, sacrificing my life proudly.

I remember when I first repeated these words. Wishing my Soul-Walker was here with me while I swore into the guardianship. Seeing my mochanas and their friend swear in right now brings me so much pride. If only my sister, Tamara, was on board with this decision they’re making. Trillia thinks while the girls repeated after her.

Tillyanne, Sillara, and Caramille all hold their right hands in the air, speaking simultaneously as they repeat the oath.

Tillyanne smiles. Joining the guardianship, I’m placing my life in place of the planet.

Sillara looks straight ahead and takes a breath to calm her nerves. I swear to uphold its traditions, values, and morals for the rest of my days.

Caramille takes a deep breath before smiling proudly. I swear to always protect my people and my planet from all types of harm, sacrificing my life proudly.

Trillia salutes each of the majors in front of her as she states their name. Welcome to the guardianship, Major Caramille Mur’ana, Major Sillara Mur’ana, and Major Tillyanne Du’rant.

After the ceremony, Caramille and Sillara walk back to their home, talking about the excitement of the day.

"Can you believe it? We actually did it! Baba would be so proud!" Sillara squeals with excitement.

I know! I wish he could’ve been there, Caramille says as she practically runs into her mother in the kitchen. Oh, sorry, Mother, She says as she stops in her tracks.

I cannot believe you two. I specifically said I did not support your decision to join the guardianship. And what do you do? You join anyway! Tamara says with disgust.

Mother, we are proud of our planet. We wish to serve our planet, protect our people! Sillara says defensively.

Serve your planet? Protect your people? That’s the same load of sourweed that your father always shoved down my throat, Tamara says in anger. This is the reason our relationship was strained! She slams the plate of food she had prepared for lunch onto the glass table with a loud crack. Ignoring her cut finger that had started to drip with blood from the broken plate, she balls her hands into fists at her side.

Why is it such a big deal with you if we are in the guardianship? You’re an Elder! Caramille demands.

"I will not have you come into my home and speak to me that way, young lady. I do not need to explain myself to you. But, since you two have chosen to go down this path, I will no longer let you sleep under my dome." Tamara says, pointing a finger at each of the girls. She sighs exhaustedly before storming out of the room.

What...? Sillara starts before Tamara storms out of the room. ...just happened? She finishes as she looks at Caramille. Why are we being kicked out? She asks, sinking into a chair and looking at the broken plate on the table.

I’m not sure. But, I saw this coming from the time we started training after Baba passed. I was prepared, and we have a place to go. She says encouragingly as she picks up the broken pieces to discard them.

You do? Sillara asks.

You bet’cha. It’s with Tillyanne. She says with a small knowing smile, having had the time to prepare for their mother’s betrayal. She grabs Sillara’s hand, leading her to their room. Once inside, she hands Sillara a black duffel bag with the Aquarian trident symbol on it. She takes her own and places it on her bed before grabbing clothes from the closet and dresser.

A little while later, Caramille zips up her duffel bag. Are you ready?

Sillara sighs as she zips up her bag. I...guess? Should we say something to her?

No, it’ll only make it worse. Let’s get going. Tilly’s expecting us.

Sillara nods and throws the duffel bag over her shoulder.

They walk out of the dome, arm in arm. They each turn their torches on, illuminating their path.

Tamara watches the girls leave the dome. She wipes away a tear that trails down her cheek as she picks up a family portrait and looks at it. She sinks into a chair while thinking, Holyrock, Phil...why do you force me to keep these secrets from our daughters?! They deserve to know what’s truly going on - what their actual destiny is! But, instead...you just caused me to lose them forever.

She places the picture down on a table next to the chair as she gets up, pacing back and forth. She goes over to her communique, sitting down heavily as if the weight of Aquaria is on her shoulders. Tearfully, she types in Nurani’s frequency. Hey Nurani, do you mind if I come over for some wine? We need to discuss something about the girls.

Caramille and Sillara arrive at Tillyanne’s dome. They are greeted by Jacob, Tillyanne’s father. His torch shines against the ground as he approaches them, giving them each a hug. He takes their duffel bags and looks at Annabeth.

Annabeth approaches the girls, giving them each a hug. She meets Jacob’s gaze, her mouth turning to a slight frown.

What are you girls doing here? Jacob asks.

Caramille sighs slightly. If only her parents knew about the plan...would they be okay with it? She ponders. I’m sorry to just show up like this, but it was the only thing we could do.

Jacob and Annabeth share a knowing glance.

Tillyanne runs up to Sillara, throwing her arms around her. Are you okay?!

Sillara shakes her head, running her hands through her hair. I really haven’t had time to process...

Kyral Arm’ana runs up, torch light swinging back and forth with each step. She stops next to Caramille, placing her hand on her arm. Do you need anything? Are you okay?

Caramille smiles sadly before turning and hugging her best friend. I think we’re good. We just need to rest. We just need a place to stay for a short time.

Kyral tightly returns the hug.

I’m sorry my call ruined your big plan for tonight, Caramille whispers.

Kyral shakes her head. It’s not your fault. She...ended things right before the call.

Caramille’s mouth drops. What?!

Kyral sighs. It’s...a long story. I’ll explain everything later. But, let’s keep it quiet for now, please. Upon hearing Annabeth usher everyone inside, she nods and follows.

I think some wine is in order... Jacob mutters.

I can agree. Wine all around! Kyral says, only half-joking.

Annabeth opens her mouth to protest, but eventually sighs. Oh go ahead, it’s not every day the sourweed hits the dome, She shrugs.

Jacob raises an eyebrow. "We don’t know if sourweed has hit the dome, though."

Annabeth’s eyebrows furrow over her fierce blue eyes. She hisses, "They showed up with bags, Jacob! Clearly something has happened! And the fact that I haven’t heard from their mother...my best friend is kind of concerning, don’t you think?"

Jacob clears his throat uncomfortably, nodding in response since he doesn’t trust his voice. He walks over to a cabinet, grabbing some glasses and a bottle. He then walks over to the girls, handing out the glasses. He pours some wine as he says, Well, you girls are more than welcome to stay for as long as you need.

Sillara wipes a few tears from her cheeks. Thank you.

Caramille sets her glass down. I knew tensions were high, but her kicking us out was unexpected.

Annabeth’s face drains of color. What? She asks, alarmed. Why have I not heard from her?!

Ch. 2: Day of War

The Council of Solaria meets to discuss a long forbidden topic: War with Aquaria. The council consists of Mikel Jurasik, Duraki Mistel, Juras Myrtil, Kilson Mirli, and Indi Yuran. Council Leaders of their various tribes of Military, Scavengers, Workers, Caravanners, and Research respectively. The five members enter the sparse canvas tent as the winds blow heavily, as if punishing them as they enter for the reprieve the interior brings.  

Sitting around a fire pit in the center and each in a lavish throne equally distant from it and each other, they all look towards one another and formally greet them.

Mikel Jurasik, Military tribal leader and Council Leader by birthright and age, stands to address the council. His voice is a deep, booming baritone as he gestures to the stars above. Council Members, we come here to honor our fathers before us, here at the ancient lands of Firerock. We come here, away from the stars and hills, to speak of a war with Aquaria and how to go about it. We have waited much too long to partake of the bounty of water they have. I am sickened by their hoarding and unbreakable will to negotiate. Once a solar year, we send an envoy and they are met with disgust and scorn. Why, I ask you? What benefit does it bring them to scorn and ridicule our way of life? 

So true brother; what benefit? I will join you in this endeavor. Duraki stands, speaking with a commanding bass. My scavengers will prepare our command and salvager ships. He says, sensing an opportunity to strengthen his people and himself politically among the council members.

I cannot bring myself to discuss war, for they have done nothing to warrant such venom. Indi speaks with a calm, though stern, voice from his throne, while gesturing with a hand dismissively towards them. His beliefs are slightly more skewed toward neutrality, for it benefits him more to research and learn about them with his spy network.

"This is pointless