Wind Master: Elementals of Nordica

By TC Marti

Welcome to the Five Worlds…

 

…Where notorious global superpowers have full control

 

Sion Zona narrowly escaped Tamuria's wrath. But the empire has taken some of the brewing war's most important elementals prisoner. Sion was told Tamuria's prisons were unplottable. What he didn't realize was that unplottable indicated different worlds.

 

And each prison within those worlds belongs to its respective global superpowers.

 

Fighting one superpower was hard enough, and it didn't end well for Sion. Fighting multiple superpowers singlehandedly to rescue those allies is a death sentence. So unless he learns a thing or two about his evolving gifts, not everyone will survive the encounter.

 

Wind Master is Book II in Elementals of Nordica, an exciting science fantasy fused with superhero fiction. If you love elemental magic, genre-fusion, complex plots, and sword and sorcery fused with modern warfare, Wind Master is a MUST READ.

• Language: English
• Publisher: TC Marti
• Release date: May 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201313500

TC Marti

TC Marti is an author, book reviewer, and freelance writer. When he's not writing, you can often find him in a gym lifting weights, or running miles on a trail.  He's also a huge fan of Arizona sports teams, an unapologetic Blink, and like most authors, an avid reader. 

Book preview

Chapter One

Freyja Norsk

Sion Zona drew what had to be the first breath of his life.

"Oh goodness, he’s alive," came Corra Eriksson’s voice.

Sion, can you hear me? Skyra said, her voice a distant echo.

A pair of smooth yet calloused hands grabbed his face. "Sion?" Corra’s voice held the same, distant tone.

Darkness. Nothing. He stood in an open field. A forested tree line emerged under snow-white mountain peaks.

A maroon-cloaked man with long, dark hair appeared, his eyes the same color and shape as Sion’s.

D-Dad?

Loki Zona broke into a smile, and gestured to a glimmering light at the forest’s edge where in the center of the tree line sat two golden gates. This was always my favorite place to visit when I lived in Oslo’s Port. I’d taken your mother here a few times after we first met.

"I-I’m in Oslo’s Port?"

"You’re seeing what Oslo’s Port looks like on the astral plane."

Sion narrowed his eyes. It looks like one of those fantasyland places I pictured myself taking Valkyrie. You know about her and I?

Loki’s expression hardened. I know she’s in trouble.

She’ll never be the same, will she? They told me—

Valkyrie’s awake and alert, but she’d be better off in a coma.

"What does that mean?"

Look at those gates in the distance.

What does this have to do with Valkyrie?

It has everything to do with the fact they will torture her to within an inch of her life. He nodded back to the gates. "She’ll see them just like you do, but she’ll never get to them. Unless you’d rather raise the white flag and go now.

Valkyrie and your friends could follow when Tamuria confirms your death. Choose to live and fight, and Tamuria will let them live. At least for the time being. Here, you’d all be safe and in a single place where they will never harm you. Not yet, anyway.

"Care to explain what for the time being and not yet means?"

"It means Tamuria will hold the key to breaking into the astral plane and taking it. It’ll signify a complete takeover of dark energy. What do you think our true purpose was?"

The Nine’s?

Loki nodded.

I thought you never knew about them?

Loki again motioned to the gates. My ancestors told me a chilling tale. But you, Sion, you can accomplish what we never did. And I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. 

Sion narrowed his eyes. The voice haunting him since he’d awoken in a Tamurian cargo van told him he couldn’t die. Not couldn’t die like an immortal. But he couldn’t succumb to his injuries with Tamuria so close to victory. Because if he died, terrible things would happen to those left behind. Beyond our duty to protect the World of Eidolon, we’re also protecting the astral plane, aren’t we?

Loki smiled. And you protect no one if you die helpless in the back of a van. Because you’re the only one who can help your friends, the astral plane, and by extension, the World of Eidolon.

Yeah, they kind of already explained it to me. But where are they keeping Valkyrie?

Loki stepped back, revealing a vision of surgeons examining a girl immobilized to a hospital bed. Her open amber eyes responded to commands, signifying her alertness. Yet a breathing tube jetted from her mouth and white dressings wrapped around her forehead, obscuring much of her auburn hair.

Sion closed his eyes, refusing to reopen them until the vision faded. "What are they doing to her?"

Loki cast a longing gaze at the gates. Once they deem her capable of withstanding torture? Anything they want.

I-I don’t want to be here anymore. Man, as peaceful as this place looked and felt, it took one vision to tell Sion where his soul belonged. He stepped back from bliss and toward rescuing Valkyrie.

Loki responded, but his voice grew distant. More distant than Skyra’s and Corra’s.

Something pulled him away from the dimming field, before...

"Sion. The same pair of hands grasping his face found his hand. They belonged to Corra. Sion, please wake up."

He opened his eyes, where Corra stared back. He managed a half-smile, which she tried to return before breaking into hysterics.

Skyra placed one hand on his chin and another on his forehead. Keep his airway open, Corra. She moved to his wrist to take his pulse.

He jerked his head before Skyra’s index finger came within six inches of his eyelid.

Sion, don’t move.

He emitted a breath as she shone her watch in front of his eyes.

Corra tightened her grip in his other hand as tears streamed down her face. She kissed his forehead when Skyra extinguished her watch. From Valkyrie, she whispered.

He returned her pressure with all his strength. I will get her back, he mouthed.

She forced a smile and stroked his wavy hair.

Is he squeezing your hand? Skyra said.

Corra nodded.

Sion, keep it up. Skyra sighed and leaned against the van’s walls, her face dripping with sweat. Don’t scare us like that again.

Before Sion could reply, Corra held a finger to his lips. Your heart stopped. You were dead, Sion.

That explains why he met Loki, encountered a glimmering light, and caught wind of Valkyrie’s condition. He could have crossed. But no. Seeing Valkyrie immobile and vulnerable meant unfinished business.

Save Valkyrie. Save the remaining members of the Nine. Face Tuukka Worthy, get rid of him, and dismantle Tamuria.

He couldn’t do that if he was dead. And as of right now, he was their only hope. Not Corra. Not Skyra. Not Terje. None of them were in the Nine. They weren’t the Ordained, the member of the Nine whose power rose a cut above the others.

This was a mission for the Ordained, but someone else insisted on coming along. The girl squeezing his hand as if her life depended on it. Planting a forehead kiss on his girlfriend’s behalf. Valkyrie’s younger sister, in a manner of speaking. Whom since he saved her life for the first time back in November, she looked to Sion like an older brother to replace her quote-un-quote older brother, Mikko Siskonen. Whose ashes she wore in a pouch around her neck.

He tried to twitch and get comfortable, but Skyra sprung forward and placed her hand on his shoulder. Sion, don’t move. Please, just rest for once.

He winked before his eyes drooped.

But keep your eyes open.

Terje appeared, his face pale.

What? Skyra said.

He didn’t need to jerk his head toward flickering blue lights to explain his ashened stare.

Skyra took Raj’s watch, chucked it out of the van, and beelined to the front as Terje hopped into the driver’s seat and floored the throttle.

Distant sirens blared behind as they gathered speed. 

Corra threw a nervous glance at the rear window and gasped. Terje, vape us out of here.

"What?"

They’re gaining on us, and vaping is our only chance to outrun them.

"Vape you where?"

"Anywhere but here."

The sirens grew louder.

We have two helicopters converging on us and Trinity knows how many drones.

Skyra glanced back and her brown eyes widened. She’s right.

Terje grumbled before relinquishing control and sticking his sword in the aisleway.

My parents’ old house, Skyra said, as the helicopters fired and took out a tire, causing the car to fishtail.

Corra moved Sion’s finger to Terje’s Sword of Smoke’s blade before planting her own next to his.

Blast!

Something sounding like it shot out of a tank hit the side of the car.

The familiar jerk erupted in Sion’s stomach and his back met dew as Corra’s hysterical voice filled the surrounding area.

"It’s freezing and he’s already fevered and flatlined. Get him inside that house now if you two know what’s good for you..."

"Corra, calm down. Skyra looked at the lit windows, which suggested another family frequented the place. We can’t barge in there, uninvited. We’re the most wanted people in South Nordica."

Distant pounding of flesh onto metal stated Corra took it upon herself to confront the unsuspecting homeowners.

"We’re Elemental Masters, so I suggest you open this door and let us inside—"

Creaking told Sion someone answered. What’s the problem? a female said.

"We have a seriously injured friend and he’s going to die if he doesn’t get proper medical help."

The woman, whoever she was, drew closer to Skyra and Sion.

You’re alive? she said, causing Skyra to jump and whip around.

"Freyja? They didn’t...how?"

I was never dim enough to exert my revenge nor did I rise above base level. I joined the Tamurian Military and did it the right way.

Whoosh!

A vortex erupted from the corner of Sion’s eye, prompting the woman, Freyja, to launch a spirit barrier between herself and Corra, which dissipated the attack. I wouldn’t try that again if I were you.

"You people invaded my land and killed my grandfather. Lady, I haven’t even begun to—"

"Oh, for the love of Trinity, shut up, Eriksson! Freyja rounded on Corra via the edge of the barrier, the latter appearing shocked since this newcomer recognized her name and face. You haven’t even given me a shot to explain myself."

Corra crossed her arms and wore a lethal expression.

It’s a bad habit of hers, Skyra said.

Tell me about it, Sion whispered.

Skyra reinforced the pressure on his shoulder. Sion, save your energy.

Freyja knelt on Sion’s other side. What happened? Last I heard, he and Corra were on their way to a public hearing and sentencing.

I thought I gave you a minute to explain yourself, Corra said.

If you say the right things, she’ll love you, Skyra said.

Freyja flashed an annoyed smile. They told me she was a loose cannon.

"Who’re they?" Corra said.

"Your grandfather’s spies. There, Corra, are you happy? I’m Freyja Norsk. You should’ve known that."

Recognition must’ve dawned over Corra’s face as she emitted a long, Ohhhh... Heck, she even mentioned Freyja last night. However, odds were the girl never met her face-to-face.

So what happened with you? Skyra said. How did you land the house?

Freyja jerked her head at Skyra. "The second they killed Aunt Elsa, Hela, and Midega, you went missing. Tamuria questioned me. Put me under a lie detector, tested my ability, poked, prodded, and treated me like a freaking lab rat. They let me off since they confirmed the claim I hadn’t seen Skyra since the eighth grade.

"But I wasn’t going to sit there and pretend it didn’t light a fire. They treated me like a criminal because I’m a spirit elemental whose cousins tried to avenge their father’s death.

"Joining the Tamurian Military seemed the best way to gain their trust. An easy ruse. And since I was a rare spirit elemental, they gave me special attention. I knew it was my best chance to legally enhance my ability. Plus, they propagated to me about old Col Eriksson and painted him as a terrorist to Tamuria.

"I did a lot of soul searching. Became resourceful and learned the truth. I caught one of Eriksson’s spies during a hike when I was on a two-week leave from the Cybex Base. I didn’t catch a violent vibe, so I approached without telling them who I was. I told them what I learned about Eriksson. And they taught me otherwise. Eriksson was no terrorist; he was a champion for elemental and human rights.

It was my in, and here I’ve been the entire time. Taking my aunt and uncle’s old house to keep it in the family and working secretly for Col Eriksson.

"Well now you’re working for me, Corra said, and I demand you take Sion into the home and give him life-saving attention."

Freyja cocked her head. I’d be glad to. Are you going to help me get him inside or shout orders like a little tyrant?

Corra sighed. Be easy with him. He’s my sister’s boyfriend and other than myself, he’s all she’s got.

Freyja scoffed. "Sister?"

It’s what I’m calling her.

Sion raised his eyebrows and forced a smile, which Corra returned. Yet the pained look in her eyes remained. Perhaps his eyes failed to match his expression, given the earlier vision of Valkyrie. Yet her eyes. Those glimmering amber eyes responded. Her mind remained despite the blow to her head. Immobile, unable to breathe on her own, in more danger than anyone could imagine. She was awake. Signs of hope. 

And he’s in the Chosen Nine, Skyra said.

I figured it was why Tuukka was so interested in him. Freyja gestured toward the house. "I hid your copy of the Texts the second I checked the place out. Thanks for those loose floorboards in your old room."

Redness encroached Skyra’s face.

"I didn’t read your notebooks. But I kept them in case you wanted to reminisce about your middle school crushes."

"How about we help Sion now?" Corra said, kneeling beside him.

Skyra and Freyja exchanged glances and grasped under Sion’s arms.

Terje led them inside, where oil lamps along the walls gave the place a quaint feel.

Park him on the couch, Freyja said.

You’re going to be okay now, Sion, Corra said, as Freyja and Skyra laid him down. Alright, he’s still fevered, so you’re to give him something for that. He can also code again, so if you have an AED laying around, you’re to bring it out here now. I want his vitals checked at least every hour, no ands, ifs, or buts. You got me?

"Yes, ma’am." Freyja gave a mock salute, before she turned and muttered something unintelligible to herself.

⚔⚔⚔⚔

The sun peeked into the room when Sion awakened. Someone cut off his tank and he lay bare chested on the couch. Beside, or on the floor under him, Corra curled into a ball, yet she looked on with concern.

How’re you feeling?

He shot Corra a sly grin. Somewhat normal. I could use a pre-workout supp though. How long was I out?

You were in and out for four days.

"Did I die again?"

"Don’t joke about that."

Is that an order, oh Sovereign Ruler?

She narrowed her eyes.

He threw his hands up in a mock surrender. Just trying to keep things light.

"Nothing’s light."

Sion deflated. I know they’re not. Sorry, I just wanted you to know I’m alright. And I know I didn’t code again. He told Corra about his visitation with Loki and how he knew Valkyrie snapped out of her comatose state.

Either that or Tamurian doctors snapped her out of it.

Doesn’t matter. She’s alert. She’s moving. She has a chance and we have a chance.

We also have six others to rescue.

The propagandists leave us a hint?

Yeah, they’re banging on everyone’s door looking for us. And they’re rounding up relatives of rebelling South Nordican elementals and forcing them into political prisons in undisclosed areas.

They hit up this neighborhood yet?

Freyja said it’s unlikely for them to search a Tamurian Officer’s home.

He nodded and indicated the dressings wrapped around her burned shoulder. "I don’t recall being the only one hurt. How are you feeling?"

Freyja put this weird ointment on it every twelve hours and it’s working well.

Sion sat up and ran a hand down his sticky arms. He rubbed his face, where whiskers grew and his usual wavy hair sat unkempt. I need a shower.

Corra forced him back onto the couch. I’d feel much better if I gave you a sponge bath.

Sion raised an eyebrow.

"I’m not going to ask you to undress, or anything."

I’ll be fine. No, seriously, Corra, I’m sure you haven’t even slept if I’ve been out for the past ninety-six hours. Or were you lying there the whole time?

She rubbed the dark circles under her eyes. I was too worried to sleep. Sorry for caring so much. But I owe you a dozen.

Sion nodded to the pouch around her neck containing Mikko’s ashes. No you don’t. If it wasn’t for my stupidity, your brother would still be here.

Corra twisted a strand of her brown hair with one hand and grasped the pouch with the other. Mikko would’ve thanked you for being there for me. Especially after how nasty I was toward you.

I’m starting to think you’re nasty toward everyone you meet for the first time. Sion hoisted himself to his feet as Corra’s face threatened to hop into defense mode. "I’m joking, alright? Come on, let’s get me a change of clothes, a shower, and something to eat. I’m sure I didn’t have a single calorie since Tamuria invaded Oslo’s Port."

I’d rather you eat first. She took his hand. Come on, I’ll show you around the place.

Where’s Terje, Skyra, and that Freyja girl?

Skyra and Terje are taking shifts at this kulle at the edge of the village. There’s an abandoned farmhouse there so they’ve been camping at the place since we got you stable. Freyja’s out doing her own shifts and talking to her Tamurian buddies to catch information on the others.

She find anything?

Nothing yet.

Well we can’t just sit here and freaking wait, alright? I don’t know what they’re going to do to Valkyrie or our other friends, but if that vision showed anything, it’s telling me something in the range of invasive torture.

Sion, we don’t have a clue where any of them are unless your vision left a hint?

He twisted his lips.

Look, Freyja has enough influence to get them to reveal something. She’s an officer in the Tamurian Military and a well-respected one. Meaning even if they don’t tell her something outright, she’s smart enough to connect a few dots.

"Are you sure they won’t just get rid of them?"

Not without you. Plus, the media’s been broadcasting other crises, as if they’re trying to sweep you and the others under the table for now. Corra grabbed two bowls out of the cabinets. Is cereal okay?

Yeah, whatever. What kind of crises?

Corra drew a breath and shook her head, as though she blamed herself for this mess. She grabbed two spoons from the sink and set everything on the table before reaching for a box of frosted cereal. Do you want this kind?

Corra, what’s going on?

"Things that don't concern Valk and them, alright? She shook the cereal box in front of him. And you didn’t answer me."

Yeah, it’s fine. Now answer my question. What’re you talking about?

Corra poured Sion’s cereal into his bowl, containing twice as much as her own. Do we need to talk about this now?

"Yes, Corra."

She sighed and slapped a hand to her forehead. I never should’ve said anything. I don’t know—

"Corra, shut up."

She tossed him a taken aback look with a hint of hurt in her eyes.

"Look, I’m not going to say we can stop everything at once, whatever crisis the media’s taking advantage of. It’s impossible. I know what we need to do to get an advantage. But it’s best if we have a sense of urgency here."

If Shia were here, Sion, she’d tell you you’re thinking of Valkyrie.

"How can’t I? She’s breathing through a freaking tube lodged halfway down her throat. And you also know I’m afraid it’ll be too late."

She shook her head. "You heard Skyra and Terje. Tuukka knows your tendencies."

I don’t care. When we catch wind of just one of them, Valkyrie or someone else, we’re out of here. Regardless of who it is.

She looked to her uneaten cereal and back to him.

I’m not changing my mind on this, Corra. So don’t even try to talk me out of it.

Chapter Two

Other Worlds

Corra caught Sion up on everything Skrya, Terje, and Freyja were up to and come midday, someone knocked at the door in the rhythm of Sion Zona.

It’s our secret knock. Just in case someone calls looking for Freyja. She answered the door, where a blonde girl stood in the doorway and crossed the threshold.

"Good to see you looking so much better. The girl locked her silver eyes into Sion’s hazel ones. Still a little pale, but those meds worked."

"What meds?"

Corra sat beside him on the couch. Meds that saved your life, so I’m not sorry for drugging you. Don’t worry, they’re not the ones full of side-effects Tamuria’s healthcare system approves for its people to make them lifelong pharmaceutical customers. Freyja has connections with her status, so she went straight for the enlistees.

The normies have no choice but to submit and obey, Freyja said. If they as much as question why I need top-end, life-saving meds, I could charge them for failure to submit to a superior.

How many of you are working for Col? Sion said.

Freyja leaned forward. "Well, a lot of elementals who couldn’t